Limitations in education, employment and relationship amongst persons with epilepsy: the experiences from Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The persons with epilepsy have higher rates of educational underachievement, unemployment and being unmarried. These socioeconomic consequences of epilepsy can be more difficult to overcome than the seizures. In Nigeria there is a paucity of information on the socioeconomic limitations experienced by persons with epilepsy (PWE). We therefore sought to determine the predictors of these socioeconomic variables amongst PWE in Benin City, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, done at the neurology clinics of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and the Central Hospital, Benin City. Persons on treatment for epilepsy were consecutively recruited. Using a structured questionnaire the demographics, clinical characteristics and socioeconomic experiences with regards to education, employment and relationships were obtained.

Results: One hundred and thirty PWE were recruited. The mean age was 37±10.3 years, range 25 to 55yrs, with 54% being males, while 53.1% have had epilepsy for over 10yrs. About 45% have comorbid conditions, 51% are not adherent to antiepilepsy drugs, while 49.2% have had stigma experience. Approximately 47% have had more than 10 years of schooling, about 56.2% are employed while 55.4% are in an intimate relationship. Educational underachievement was predicted by stigmatization, while unemployment and not being in a relationship was predicted by stigmatization and longer duration of epilepsy.

Conclusion: The high proportion of the participants with socioeconomic challenges is worrisome. It is hoped that meeting the educational and vocational needs of PWE, in addition to public campaign on epilepsy could reverse the situation.