Screening for common mental disorders in people with epilepsy in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that is highly susceptible to a variety of mental health problems due to its enormous biological, social, and psychological burdens. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and to identify risk factors for common mental disorders (CMDs) in people with epilepsy (PWEs) in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital Center in Goma (DRC) from March to April 2022 involving 302 PWEs. A questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic data, personal and family history, clinical features and management of epilepsy. CMDs were assessed using the self-report questionnaire (SRQ-20). Bivariate analysis was performed, followed by multivariate analysis, and variables with p < 0.05 in the final model were considered as risk factors associated with CMDs. Results The study included 302 PWEs, of which 56.9% were men, and the mean age was 28.4 ± 11.0 years. CMDs were present in 39.1% of the participants. The presence of CMDs was significantly associated with having five or more seizures in the month preceding the survey (adjusted odds ratio = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.7–8.3) and having medical co-morbidities (adjusted odds ratio = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.5–6.4). Conclusion The prevalence of CMDs in PWEs was high (39.1%), suggesting that this is a public health issue. Therefore, early detection and recognition of CMD symptoms should be a routine activity when managing PWEs.