Leveraging the lessons learned from studies on the cultural context of epilepsy care in Uganda: Opportunities and future directions

Abstract

In this summary paper, we review the body of research contained in this special issue, The Intersection of Culture, Resources, and Disease: Epilepsy Care in Uganda, and corollary recommendations for a way forward. We review key findings and conclusions for the studies, which tell a story of culture and care-seeking through discussions and data gleaned from a rich research landscape traversing community village dwellings, shared communal areas, churches, and urban hospitals. The voices and perspectives of over 16,000 study participants inclusive of people living with epilepsy, their neighbors and healthcare workers, traditional healers, and faith leaders are reported. From this, we synthesize findings and prioritize a set of recommendations to advance epilepsy care in Uganda. Progress will require infrastructure strengthening, multilevel educational investments, and an ambitious, extensive program of community sensitization. These proposed priorities and actions outline a way forward through formidable but surmountable challenges but require harmonized efforts by government and other relevant stakeholders, scholars, clinicians, and community leaders.This article is part of the Special Issue “The Intersection of Culture, Resources, and Disease: Epilepsy Care in Uganda”