Perspective Chapter: Determinants of Health-Care Seeking Behaviors and Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy in Nigeria

Abstract

Epilepsy is the commonest neurological condition affecting every sphere of a child’s life ranging from physical and cognitive performances, and mixed feelings for the affected family. These feelings are worsened by the cultural beliefs, myths, and stigmatization that surround epilepsy with a consequent reduction in the healthcare-seeking behaviors and quality of life of these children. The goal of management is to control seizures with minimal use of antiepileptic medications and to improve the child’s quality of life. This work is aimed to understand the health-seeking behavior of families and children diagnosed with epilepsy in Nigeria, the factors that influence their decisions, and the need to plan a “need-based” comprehensive healthcare program for all stakeholders, particularly the disprivileged groups. Despite some improvement in access to healthcare in Nigeria, there are existing inequalities relative to culture, socioeconomic class, accessibility to universal health insurance, and gender. Knowledge of barriers to optimal healthcare-seeking behavior could help reduce the impact of epilepsy on children’s development and consequently improved quality of life. Efforts should be made to educate children with epilepsy, their caregivers, and other affected stakeholders and periodic trainings organized for the health workers. Subsidizing the cost of care by support groups and government is vital.