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Browsing Articles by Subject "Epilepsy"

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    Epilepsy in rural South Africa: Patient experiences andhealthcare challenges
    (Wiley, 2024) Makhado, Lufuno; Maphula, Angelina; Ngomba, Richard Teke; Musekwa, Ofhani Prudence; Makhado, Thendo Gertie; Nemathaga, Muofheni; Rammela, Mukovhe; Striano, Pasquale
    Objective: This study investigates the prevalent issues of healthcare access and the impact of antiseizure treatments among people with epilepsy (PWE) in rural Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa, where healthcare facilities and affordable treatments are often inadequate. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey, 162 PWE were selected using multistage sampling across the provinces. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed descriptively using SPSS v27. Results: Most of the participants experienced seizures intermittently, with 70.6%in Limpopo and 53.3% in Mpumalanga reporting occasional episodes, whereas a significant minority in both regions—20.6% and 40%, respectively—suffered from frequent seizures. A notable portion of PWE also reported recurring side effects from antiseizure drugs, which led to consequential life disruptions, including educational dropout and unemployment. Significance: The findings underscore an urgent need for enhanced educational programs and increased awareness to improve the understanding and management of epilepsy in these underserved areas. Optimizing care for PWE requires a multifaceted approach, including evaluating healthcare accessibility, affordability, and societal beliefs influencing treatment adherence. The study advocates for government and policy interventions to mitigate the quality of life deterioration caused by epilepsy and its treatment in rural communities. Plain Language Summary: In Limpopo and Mpumalanga, many individuals with epilepsy experience seizures occasionally, while a significant minority have them frequently. Numerous people also suffer recurring side effects from antiseizure medications, impacting their lives severely by causing school dropouts and job losses. This underscores the urgent need for improved education and awareness programs to manage epilepsy in these provinces effectively. The study urges government action and policy reforms to enhance care and support for people with epilepsy in rural areas, aiming to improve their quality of life.
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    Exploration of health care providers’ knowledge-based care and support given to family members and caregivers of people living with epilepsy
    (Frontiers, 2024) Musekwa, Ofhani Prudence; Makhado, Lufuno; Maphula Angelina
    Introduction: In South Africa, approximately half a million individuals live with epilepsy. This means that half a million families and caregivers are impacted by epilepsy, with a limited number of healthcare providers responsible for treating people living with the condition, as well as their families and caregivers. Methods: This study explored the knowledge-based care and support healthcare providers give families and caregivers. Fifteen participants were purposefully selected from Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces to participate in the study. Data were collected via an open-ended interview guide divided into two sections: Section A comprised sociodemographic questions, and Section B had questions on epilepsy care and support. Four of the participants were male, and 11 were female, seven were community health workers, five were nurse practitioners, and three were auxiliary nurses. Seven had a grade 12 qualification or lower, and only six had a degree. The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis, coded by the researcher and co-coded by an independent expert. Two themes emerged from the raw data: epilepsy knowledge and epilepsy support and counselling. From these two themes, three subthemes were identified: psychosocial impact of epilepsy, epilepsy-related training, and counselling and support. Results: The study revealed a gap in professional capacity building and highlighted the need for intentional knowledge sharing and equipping of healthcare providers. Discussion: The findings suggest that equipping community health workers, in particular, may be a better and more efficient way to increase the quality of life for families and caregivers and people living with epilepsy in South Africa.
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    Inclusion of epilepsy in life skills education of primary school learners: the perceptions of life skills advisors in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces (South Africa)
    (IRBIS Publishing House, 2023) Makhado, T. G.; Lebese, R. T.; Maputle, M. S.
    Background. Education regarding epilepsy is paramount because it is one of the measures to equip individuals with knowledge and skills for managing seizures, and reduce stigma and misconceptions towards this disease. Objective: to determine the perceptions of life skills educational advisors regarding the inclusion of epilepsy lessons in life skills education. Material and methods. The study employed an exploratory-descriptive design. It was conducted in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces in South Africa. Eight life skills educational advisors were selected through snowballing sampling techniques, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using ATLAS.ti program. Results. Four themes emerged which emphasize the need to include epilepsy in life skills education because the information regarding it is insufficient: life skills educational advisors’ knowledge of epilepsy, the benefits of including epilepsy in life skills education, content for such education, and methods of teaching. Some individuals consider epilepsy is a medical condition whereas others believe that it is a disease caused by witchcraft. Conclusion. There is a need to include epilepsy in life skills education as it will improve people's awareness about the disease.
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    Living with epilepsy: patient knowledge and psychosocial impact
    (IRBS LCC, 2024) Musekwa, Ofhani Prudence; Makhado, Lufuno
    Background. People living with epilepsy (PLWE) often face psychological comorbidities and social challenges due to low levels of knowledge and awareness about epilepsy, as well as personal experiences with the condition. This can result in a low quality of life for PLWE. Objective: to investigate the psychosocial impact of epilepsy on patients residing in rural regions of South Africa (Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces). Material and methods. A non-experimental quantitative research was conducted, which involved 162 respondents living with epilepsy. Most were males, and the majority were between 18 and 35 years old in both provinces combined. The participants were offered a questionnaire divided into three sections comprising sociodemographic aspects, questions that assessed knowledge, and questions on the psychosocial impact of epilepsy. Results. I t was shown that while PLWE have a solid understanding of epilepsy as a medical condition, they may not fully comprehend its effects on daily life. For example, many respondents felt shameful after having a seizure and difficulties in forming relationships, and a significant proportion stated that they were never married because of epilepsy. The study highlights. The significant psychosocial impact of epilepsy on PLWE, including depression, difficulties in forming and maintaining social connections, and a lack of marital experience. Conclusion. To improve PLWE’s quality of life, the psychological help is recommended through healthcare facilities or local support groups.
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    Professional nurses’ experiences of managing epilepsy at limited resource rural facilities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa
    (Elsevier, 2024) Nemathaga, Muofheni; Maputle, Maria Sonto; Makhado, Lufuno; Mashau, Ntsieni Stella
    Background Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting approximately 50 million individuals globally, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. Professional nurses play a crucial role in the care and treatment of people living with epilepsy, ensuring their safety and well-being. Professional nurses frequently encounter challenges, such as restricted access to drugs, specialised equipment, and epilepsy treatment training. Despite these obstacles, professional nurses are essential to providing high-quality care to patients with epilepsy in remote locations. Methods A qualitative design using explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was employed to achieve the objectives of the study. The sample comprised 20 professional nurses working in selected rural communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews and analysed using Tesch's eight steps of data analysis. Results Four themes emerged from the data: experiences of professional nurses during management of epilepsy; inadequate training in management of epilepsy; insufficient supply of antiepileptic drugs and late presentation to local clinics. Conclusion The study found that professional nurses experienced several challenges hindering the effective management of epilepsy. Cultural beliefs in supernatural causes of epilepsy significantly influence treatment preferences, consequently delaying diagnosis and treatment. Despite limited resources and cultural barriers experienced by professional nurses, they strive to provide appropriate care to minimise seizures. Ongoing education and training on epilepsy management is vital to enable professional nurses to keep up-to-date with current methods and new developments.