ArticleEpilepsia open2024
Epilepsy in rural South Africa: Patient experiences and healthcare challenges.
Article in Epilepsia open, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.
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Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed.
- Psychological Burden Among Family Caregivers of People with Epilepsy in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa: A Qualitative Study.Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Evaluation of the management of high-risk obstetric patients living with epilepsy: A retrospective study from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.South African family practice : official journal of the South African Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care · 2026Article
- Lived experiences and acceptability challenges among caregivers of people with epilepsy in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Article
- Perceived epilepsy-related support and enabling environments and associated caregiver factors in rural South Africa: a cross-sectional study in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Hidden labour of caregiving for persons with epilepsy in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa: a qualitative study.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2026Article
- Awareness, Perceptions, Willingness, and Feasibility of mHealth Apps Among People Living With Epilepsy: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.JMIR formative research · 2025Article
- Mental Health and Identity Formation Among Primary School Learners: Peer Perceptions of Children Living with Epilepsy Through a Social-Educational Lens.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2025Article
- Epilepsy in rural South Africa: Patient experiences and healthcare challenges.Epilepsia open · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectiveThis 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.
methodsUsing 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.
resultsMost 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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