Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors among Adult Epileptic Patients at Hawassa University Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Epilepsy, once thought to be a disease of evil spirit, is now believed by many as a common neurologic condition that can be effectively treated by optimal use of anti seizure drugs. Despite the availability of multiple and cost effective medications, people with epilepsy could experience episodes of seizures. Aim of the present study was to assess the treatment outcome and associated factors among adult epileptic patients at Hawassa University Specialized Hospital (HUSH), Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was conducted on randomly selected adult epileptic patients. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with treatment outcome. Total of 255 patients were included. of whom, 38% had a poorly controlled seizures. Having no formal education [Adjusted Odds Ratio [(AOR): 2.71, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.35 -5.46], spending only a year on Anti Seizure Drugs (ASDs) [Adjusted Odds Ratio [(AOR): 4.90, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.37-17.50] and low adherence to ASDs [Adjusted Odds Ratio [(AOR): 2.04, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.04-4.04] were associated with uncontrolled seizure. Significantly higher epileptic patients had uncontrolled seizure. Epileptic patients with no formal education, who spent a short time on medication and those who have a low medication adherence, were more likely to have uncontrolled seizure. Therefore, more emphasis should be given to these patients.