Abstract
IntroductionEpilepsy is the most common of serious neurological disorders, yet despite considerable efforts, good access to medication, appropriate social and societal acceptance and acceptable quality of life (QoL) are difficult to achieve especially in developing countries. It is estimated that over 500,000 people suffer from epilepsy in the DRC. There is no report, in our knowledge on the epilepsy in Lubumbashi.MethodsA descriptive study was undertaken in individuals with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy who presented at the CNPJG outpatient clinic in Lubumbashi over a 12 months period. A 64-item questionnaire was used to collect information from the patients. Case records were reviewed and relevant demographic, social, professional, medical history, medical condition data were extracted.ResultsAmong 3,540 patients who presented to a neuropsychiatric clinic run by the Fracarita charity over a 1-year period, 423 (11.9%) were identified as having epilepsy, and 179 were subsequently included in the survey after they (or their parent/guardian) provided informed consent and completed an EEG investigation. Data were collected using a standardized, 64-item questionnaire. Epilepsy had negative impact on the lives of individuals with the condition; 40.8% had either no education or had completed primary education only, 38.0% were unemployed and the majority (64.6%; n = 113) were unmarried or divorced. Family history of epilepsy (first or second degree) was present in 23.5% of cases. Other reported factors that could potentially precipitate epilepsy included obstetric and perinatal factors (15.1%) and central nervous system infections during infancy (8.4%). Consumption of alcohol or recreational drugs accounted for 10.6%. The treatment gap was above 67% and the delay between first seizure and first consultation was 15 months. When asked to describe their condition, or its cause, 55.3% of participants (or their families) considered epilepsy to be of spiritual/ religious origin, while 25.1% had almost no insight and could not provide any description.ConclusionThis first epidemiological study shows a high prevalence of epilepsy among patients presenting to the clinic in Lubumbashi, DRC, and reveals a significant treatment gap.
Highlights
Epilepsy is the most common of serious neurological disorders, yet despite considerable efforts, good access to medication, appropriate social and societal acceptance and acceptable quality of life (QoL) are difficult to achieve especially in developing countries
A descriptive study was undertaken in individuals with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy who presented at the Centre Neuro-Psychiatrique Joseph Guislain (CNPJG) outpatient clinic in Lubumbashi over a 12 months period, from May 2010 to April 2011
During the 12-month observation period, 3,540 patients presented at the CNPJG with different neuro-psychiatric conditions of whom 423 (11.9%) were identified as having epilepsy; 239 (56.4%) were male and 184 (43.6%) female
Summary
Epilepsy is the most common of serious neurological disorders, yet despite considerable efforts, good access to medication, appropriate social and societal acceptance and acceptable quality of life (QoL) are difficult to achieve especially in developing countries. Epilepsy is the most common of serious neurological disorders, yet despite considerable efforts, good access to medication, appropriate social and societal acceptance and acceptable quality of life (QoL) are difficult to achieve Attaining these goals in developing countries, where approximately 80% of people with epilepsy (PwE) live [1], presents even greater challenges. Since 2010, healthcare workers at CNPJG have been focusing on epilepsy, in treating patients with the conditions, and raising awareness through educational programmes In this epidemiological study we sought to document several elements; the number of patients presenting to the neuropsychiatric clinic of brothers of charity with epilepsy and their characteristics, potential risk and aetiological factors for epilepsy, delay to diagnosis and access to anti-epileptic treatment
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