Has Treatment Seeking Behaviour Changed in People Living with Epilepsy? Experience of People Living with Epilepsy Attending Adult Neurology Clinics in Enugu

Ezeala-Adikaibe, B. A. and Achor, J. U. and Nwani, P. O. and Ekochin, Fintan Chinweike and Mbadiwe, C. N. and Nwobodo, M. U. and Okwara, C. C. and Okoli, C. P. and Nwazor, E. O. and Anyim, O. B. and Orjioke, C. and Orah-Okpala, C. and Nndionuka, I. B. and Okereke, C. and Eneh,, G. O. and Onodugo,, P. N. and Ezeme, M. S. and Onodugo, O. D. and Ikenwugwu, T. H. and Abonyi, M. C. and Anigbo, G. E. (2024) Has Treatment Seeking Behaviour Changed in People Living with Epilepsy? Experience of People Living with Epilepsy Attending Adult Neurology Clinics in Enugu. West African Journal of Medicine, 41 (4). pp. 397-405. ISSN 0189 - 160X

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Over the years efforts has been made through public health education to change the knowledge, attitude and practice of epilepsy and seizures among the populace in Nigeria. One surrogate method of reviewing the impact of these educational interventions include changes in treatment seeking behavior of People Living With Epilepsy and the reasons for their choices of treatment. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected from People Living With Epilepsy attending the medical outpatient clinics in two tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Enugu State southeast Nigeria. RESULTS: A total 276 people living with epilepsy were recruited with a mean age of 30.1 years and a median age of 25 years. After the onset of epilepsy, 76(27.5%) and 70(25.4%) visited general hospitals and teaching hospitals respectively, while prayer houses and traditional healing centers were first visited by 54(19.6%) and 40(14.5%) respectively. As a second choice of care 9(3.3%) and 13(4.7%) visited prayer houses and traditional healing centers. Only 42(15.2%) selected their treatment center because they were confident of getting a cure however, this was highest for those that visited traditional healing centers 11(27.5%). The age of onset of epilepsy positively correlated with selecting orthodox treatment at the choice of care, while occupational status negatively correlated with selecting orthodox care at the same period. CONCLUSIONS: Health care seeking behaviors among PLWE in Southeast Nigeria might have changed over the years as more people living with epilepsy were more likely to select orthodox treatment compared to non-orthodox means of treatment.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Medicine
Depositing User:	mrs chioma hannah
Date Deposited:	26 Jun 2025 12:11
Last Modified:	26 Jun 2025 12:11
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/4922

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