Social-cultural aspects of epilepsy in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania: knowledge and experience among patients and carers.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Understanding the social-cultural aspects of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa will help to improve the situation of people with epilepsy (PWE) in this region.

METHODS:

This qualitative study comprised interviews with 41 PWE and their carers. Participants were identified from a large community-based epidemiological study of epilepsy conducted in 2009.

RESULTS:

Epilepsy was commonly ascribed to witchcraft and curses. Nearly all PWE demonstrated pluralistic care-seeking behavior, including the use of prayers and traditional healers alongside modern care. PWE reported discrimination as a result of their condition. The majority of PWE had suffered burns during seizures.

CONCLUSIONS:

Poor knowledge and strong cultural and religious beliefs characterize the experience of PWE in this population. Epilepsy-related stigma contributes to overall disease burden, and PWE face exclusion across major life domains. There is a need to educate communities and inculcate perceptions and attitudes that promote early detection of epilepsy and early care-seeking behavior.

• Authors: D Mushi, E Hunter, C Mtuya, G Mshana, E Aris, R Walker
• Journal: Epilepsy & behavior : E&B (Epilepsy Behav) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 338-43 (Feb 2011) ISSN: 1525-5069 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21216201 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Caregivers (psychology)
• Culture
• Epilepsy (epidemiology, ethnology, psychology)
• Female
• Health Services Needs and Demand (statistics & numerical data)
• Humans
• Interviews as Topic
• Knowledge
• Male
• Marriage
• Middle Aged
• Perception (physiology)
• Prejudice
• Residence Characteristics
• Social Environment
• Social Support
• Tanzania (epidemiology, ethnology)
• Young Adult