Measuring the challenges of people with epilepsy in Harare, Zimbabwe
- Author:
Jacob Mugumbate
;
Andrew Nyanguru
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Neurology Asia
2013;18(1):29-33
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In this 6 months study the researchers measured the challenges of people with epilepsy who were
all members of the Epilepsy Support Foundation in Harare, Zimbabwe. Possible challenges arising
from the various aspects of life of 60 people with epilepsy were measured using a Problem Index
Questionnaire for People with Epilepsy adapted from Dr. John Collings Problem Index method
which was used at Leeds Polytechnic in 1990 to develop the British Epilepsy Association’s Charter
for Epilepsy. The method uses a short questionnaire that has a set of problem areas with three
possible responses, ‘no problem’, ‘some problems’ and ‘serious problems’. The index was found by
combining ‘some problems’ and ‘serious problems’ and refl ects the degree to which an aspect of life
was problematic. Results from interviews and observations were also utilised. The study shows that
the people with epilepsy’s major life challenges are psychosocial, followed by economic and lifestyle.
The most common issues regarded as problematic are: securing adequate income (93%), society’s
attitude (87%), stigma (87%), standard of living (83%), memory (83%), overprotection (78%), fi nding
and maintaining employment (78%).
- Full text:P020150703583010951476.pdf
