Factors affecting the treatment outcome of epilepsy in resource poor communities of Akwa Ibom State: Analysis of patients at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo

Abstract

Background: The main aim of this study was to investigate the socio-cultural factors affecting the welfare and treatment outcome of patients with epilepsy in Akwa Ibom State.
Methods: A cross-sectional data from survey of a total sample of sixty-two (62) respondents comprising of fifty (50) patients diagnosed with epilepsy and 12 medical and nursing personnel in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital were recruited for the study. We analyzed quantitative data using frequency distribution and simple percentages while thematic analysis was used for qualitative narratives.
Results: The results of the study indicated that cultural beliefs and the level of education/information/awareness greatly influenced the welfare and treatment outcome of patients with epilepsy.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that proper education and awareness are necessary to address the problems associated with the welfare and treatment outcome of people with epilepsy and the attendant health implications.