Epilepsy and stigma in Africa: Viewpoint of healthcare professionals and combat strategies

Agbétou, Mendinatou; Camara, Ibrahima François; Diallo, Lansana Laho; Soumah, A.; Constant, Adrien; Djibo, Fatima H; Lamino, Ibrahim; Maiga, Youssoufa; Koné, Zeïnab; Diagana, Mouhamadou; Hamadi, Hamadi; Ibrahim, Eetedal Ahmed A.; John, Jabang; Ndiaye, Moustapha; Diarra, Eve; Foksouma, Sakadi; Dakissia, Kamis; Millogo, Athanase; Moussavou, Cédric; Daniel, Gams Massi; Razafimahefa, Julien; Dorée, Augustia; M’Belesso, Pascal; Mwendaweli, Naluca; Kissani, Najib

doi:10.1016/j.seizure.2022.11.013

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Frequent epileptic seizures being the most challenging hurdle that people with epilepsy encounter, make these people unemployed, divorced, marginalized, isolated, and celibate 27 . Not only that but also low self-esteem, overprotective parents, decreased school attendance, and lack of academic ambition cause people with epilepsy to struggle academically 28 .…”

Section: Epilepsy’s Cultural and Social Impacts In Africamentioning

confidence: 99%

Epilepsy in Africa: a multifaceted perspective on diagnosis, treatment, and community support

Kassahun Bekele,

Nebieridze,

Moses Daniel

et al. 2023

Annals of Medicine &Amp; Surgery

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Epilepsy is the most widespread neurological disorder in Africa, affecting an estimated 25 million people. The disorder is characterized by recurrent seizures, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including past trauma, CNS (Central Nervous System) infections, and genetic disorders. Diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy are challenging in African patients due to several factors, including the low socioeconomic status of the residents and limited access to appropriate medication. Phenobarbital remains the only drug widely available to patients, but it is not always effective and can have significant side effects. In addition to the medical challenges, individuals with epilepsy also face a lot of social stigmas in Africa. Widespread superstitions and false beliefs lead to prejudices against these people, making it difficult for them to live fulfilling social lives. With the development of new treatment modalities, such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and P-glycoprotein inhibitors, it is more important now than ever to increase the research output for the African region to create the best possible treatment and maximize patient outcomes.

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Section: Epilepsy’s Cultural and Social Impacts In Africamentioning

confidence: 99%

Epilepsy in Africa: a multifaceted perspective on diagnosis, treatment, and community support

Kassahun Bekele,

Nebieridze,

Moses Daniel

et al. 2023

Annals of Medicine &Amp; Surgery

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“…This means that because epilepsy occurs mostly in the early years of life, children living with epilepsy may suffer the negative effects of stigmatization. These children living with epilepsy are school learners in different schools who may drop out of school to isolate themselves as a result of stigmatization and discrimination, as schools have been recognized as one of the main places of stigmatization [ 12 ]. Additionally, research has shown that students with epilepsy are leaving schools because they feel alienated [ 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Incorporation of Epilepsy into Life Skills Education: Perceptions of Primary School Learners in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province—A Qualitative Exploratory Study

2023

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Providing education on epilepsy is crucial, as this helps individuals to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage seizures while also reducing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding the condition. The aim of this research was to examine how learners perceive the integration of epilepsy education into life skills training. A descriptive-exploratory design was utilized for the study. The research took place in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, located in South Africa, where primary schools in chosen rural communities were selected for the research. Six focus group discussions were conducted with learners aged 9 to 14 years in grades 4 to 7. Each group was comprised of six learners, resulting in a total of 36 individuals who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data were collected from August to November 2022. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to collect data until saturation was reached. The collected data were analyzed with the assistance of ATLAS.ti. The study’s results underscore the significance of incorporating epilepsy education into life skills curricula at the primary school level, as revealed by two prominent themes that emerged: first, the reasons provided by students for the integration of epilepsy education into life skills training, and second, the preferred teaching methodologies for epilepsy education within the life skills curriculum as identified by learners. Trustworthiness and ethical consideration were ensured. It is recommended that guidelines for epilepsy life skills should be developed to enhance the wellbeing and academic performance of learners with epilepsy in primary schools in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.

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Epilepsy awareness days, weeks, and months: Their roles in the fight against epilepsy and the intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders

Mugumbate,

Klevor,

Aguirre

et al. 2023

Epilepsy & Behavior

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Epilepsy and stigma in Africa: Viewpoint of healthcare professionals and combat strategies

Cited by 3 publications

References 18 publications

Epilepsy in Africa: a multifaceted perspective on diagnosis, treatment, and community support

Epilepsy in Africa: a multifaceted perspective on diagnosis, treatment, and community support

Incorporation of Epilepsy into Life Skills Education: Perceptions of Primary School Learners in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province—A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Epilepsy awareness days, weeks, and months: Their roles in the fight against epilepsy and the intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders

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