Quality of life and associated factors among adults with epilepsy in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
Epilepsy is a common condition worldwide and has been observed to affect quality of life (QOL). Though, much has been written on this subject among western populations, little research has been done in developing countries of Africa including Nigeria. The study aims to identify factors associated with quality of life among adult epilepsy patients in this environment.


METHODS
Respondents were evaluated using the 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-10), the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), the modified Mini Mental State Examination (mMMSE),and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Diagnosis of epilepsy was based on clinical and electroencephalographic findings.


RESULTS
The mean age of the 51 respondents was 27.7 years (SD = 9.7). Thirteen (25.5%) had an average of 2 seizure episodes in the month preceding the interview, while 37 (72.5%) have had the condition for more than 5 years. Factors that were significantly associated with overall quality of life included being female (p < 0.05), seizure frequency (p < 0.01), using more than 1 anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) (p < 0.01), GHQ-30 score (p < 0.01), high anxiety score (p < 0.001), and high depression score (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that depressive symptoms were the single most important factor explaining low QOL. Other factors were GHQ-30 score, seizure frequency, and being a woman.


CONCLUSIONS
Controlling seizures and paying attention to the psychological needs of adult epileptics will have a positive effect on the QOL among Nigerian epileptics.
Mosaku
Kolawole S
KS
Department of Mental Health, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. kmosaku@yahoo.co.uk
Fatoye
Femi O
FO
Komolafe
Morenikeji
M
Lawal
Musiliu
M
Ola
Bola A
BA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003906:Developing Countries; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D012931:Social Environment
D000928:Antidepressive Agents