Abstract

Epileptic patients are often neglected in our society. This hospital based cross sectional study was done among epileptic patients in Mangalore city of south India in February 2011. Epileptic patients aged 7 or more were interviewed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Standardised scales were used for assessing the quality of life (QOL), stigma and self-management practices of patients. Association of these parameters was done with various socio demographic factors of patients. Of the 56 patients, 55.4% patients had GTCS and 80.4% had multiple episodes of seizures. QOL and self-management practices were good in 44.6% and 71.4% patients, respectively. Self-management practices was found to significantly improve with age of patients (P=0.012).  Educational status of patients was found to significantly improve their QOL and self-management practices (P=0.031). Stigmatization was reported by 66.1% patients and it was significantly more in patients in the age groups 30 to 50 years (P=0.043). Gender and occupation of patients was not significantly associated with any of the parameters. Self-management practices were good in most patients but this was not so with QOL or experience of stigma. These aspects could be improved by educating the people in order to generate greater social support for epileptic patients in future.

Key words: Epileptic seizures, quality of life, stigma, self-management practices.