title: Community integration of people living with epilepsy in a Nigerian population.
abstract: Epilepsy is a chronic seizure disorder that affects numerous people worldwide. Community integration (CI) is the ultimate goal of rehabilitation of any chronic condition. There seems to be a dearth of research on CI among people living with epilepsy (PLWE).
  
  
  
  The present study was designed to investigate on the level of satisfaction with CI and its associated factors in a Nigerian PLWE.
  
  
  
  This was a cross-sectional survey of 70 adult PLWE (28.6% females; mean age=34.91±16.21years) consecutively recruited from three purposively selected specialized clinics in Anambra State of South-eastern Nigeria. The Reintegration to Normal Living Index was used to assess the level of satisfaction with CI among the participants. Data was analysed using Spearman Rank Order Correlation, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests at 0.05 level of significance.
  
  
  
  The total level of satisfaction with CI among PLWE was poor (59.76±23.24). PLWE were severely restricted in nine out of the fourteen CI scores but were mildly or moderately restricted in the remaining five CI scores. The participants' total level of satisfaction with CI significantly correlated with their annual (r=-0.319; p=0.007), six-month (r=-0.275; p=0.021) and one-month (r=-0.221; p=0.025) episodes of seizures, and was significantly influenced by their occupational status (k=12.15; p=0.009) and highest educational attainment (k=12.39; p=0.006).
  
  
  
  Generally, the total level of satisfaction with CI among PLWE was poor. There is need for interventional programmes aimed at integrating PLWE into their various communities with special emphasis laid on unemployed and less educated ones having high seizure frequency.
authors: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. Electronic address: bukanuel2004@yahoo.com.
authors: Emmanuel Chiebuka
authors: EC
authors: Okoye
authors: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. Electronic address: chinyeremgrace@gmail.com.
authors: Grace Chinyere
authors: GC
authors: Obi
authors: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. Electronic address: coakosile@yahoo.com.
authors: Christopher Olusanjo
authors: CO
authors: Akosile
authors: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. Electronic address: dynamojoe2000ng@yahoo.com.
authors: Joseph Onuwa
authors: JO
authors: Umunnah
authors: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. Electronic address: drizu2002@yahoo.co.uk.
authors: Maduabuchi Joseph
authors: MJ
authors: Nwankwo
authors: Department of Nursing Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. Electronic address: lovethegboka@yahoo.com.
authors: Loveth Oluchi
authors: LO
authors: Obiora
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D062309:Community Integration; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D009790:Occupations; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Associated factors; Community integration; Epilepsy; Nigeria