Quality of life in epileptic patients in doctor′s perspective

Abstract

Objectives:To identify the quality of life (QOL) in epileptics, the risk factors and many unseen reasons for their wretched QOL, and to suggest the steps and methods to overcome the barriers in leading a quality life. Materials and Methods: In this study questionnaire was designed for doctors instead of patients for evaluating the QOL in epileptics. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on various factors simultaneously like demographic profile, seizure characteristics, knowledge regarding cause of epilepsy, attitude towards medical treatment, etc., Results: Overall the total score of physical well-being (71), mental/emotional state (75), handle stress (76), medication effect (70), life enjoyment (70), and overall QOL (70) are worse in epileptics. Conclusion: Almost all different factors like seizure severity, frequency, depression, anxiety, underlying causes, socioeconomic status, type of therapy, etc., had strong interlinked influence on QOL especially stigma and attitude of society towards epileptics. Hence, to improve the QOL in epileptics it is essential to give equal importance to all factors simultaneously instead of giving separately.