A Survey on Epilepsy and Work: Profiles and Challenges

Abstract

Objective  Epilepsy can have a chronic course in a subgroup of people and may impact the ability to study, marry or earn a living thereby increasing significantly the burden of the illness. For a person with epilepsy (PWE), beyond seizure control, being participative and productive in life is a crucial factor for a good quality of life. The aim of the study was to explore factors that help and/or hinder PWE find work / employment. Materials and Methods  Data was collected via a self-reported structured questionnaire from PWE in the age group 21 to 60 years, who had completed their education, and had a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy for at least a year with no known psychiatric ailment or psychiatric morbidity. Binomial logistic regression was used to determine factors that impact employment. Results  Sixty-three percent of our cohorts (n = 119/190) were employed. Factors that supported employment were higher education, late age of epilepsy onset, and better maternal education. The odds of being employed decreased significantly with increasing seizure frequency (odds ratio [OR] = 0.749; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.586-0.957) and occurrence of cluster seizures (OR = 0.348; 95% CI = 0.163-0.742; p < 0.05). Conclusion  PWE can secure employment when their seizure frequency is low and epilepsy onset is after the age of 5 years. However, high job stress and cognitive and emotional difficulties are barriers and reasons for resignation from work. PWEs and their caregivers need to be empowered with psychoeducation and receive counselling support for their mood and cognitive issues to help them reach their full work potential.