title: Epilepsy: Asia versus Africa.
abstract: Is epilepsy truly an "African ailment"? We aimed to determine this, since international health agencies often refer to epilepsy as an African disease and the scientific literature has spoken the same tone. Various published materials, mainly reports, articles, were used to gather Asian and African evidence on various aspects of epilepsy and many of its risk and associated factors. Our results suggest that in no way can epilepsy be considered as an African ailment and such characterization is most likely based on popular beliefs rather than scientific evidence. In comparison to Africa, Asia has a 5.0% greater burden from all diseases, and is 17.0% more affected from neuropsychiatric disorders (that include epilepsy). Given that more countries in Asia are transitioning, there may be large demographic and lifestyle changes in the near future. However these changes are nowhere close to those expected in Africa. Moreover, 23 million Asians have epilepsy in comparison to 3.3 million Africans and 1.2 million sub-Saharan Africans. In comparison to Africa, Asia has more untreated patients, 55.0% more additional epilepsy cases every year, because of its larger population, with greater treatment cost and possibly higher premature mortality. Of several associated factors discussed herein, many have more importance for Asia than Africa. The current state of epilepsy in Asia is far less than ideal and there is an urgent need to recognize and accept the importance of epilepsy in Asia. In no way can epilepsy be considered as an African ailment. This is most likely based on popular beliefs rather than scientific evidence. A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
authors.affiliation: Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR1094, Limoges, France; School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, University of Limoges, CNRS FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France; Dupuytren Hospital, Unit of Geriatry and Home-Based Care, University Hospital Center of Limoges, Limoges, France.
authors.forename: Devender
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bhalla
authors.forename: Achille Edem
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Tchalla
authors.forename: Benoît
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Marin
authors.forename: Edgard Brice
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Ngoungou
authors.forename: Chong Tin
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Pierre-Marie
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Preux
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003906:Developing Countries; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Africa; Asia; Epidemiology; Epilepsy; Incidence; Prevalence