Correlates of perception and attitude towards people living with epilepsy in Adaklu District, Volta Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a brain disease that involves recurrent unprovoked seizures. Individuals with epilepsy typically carry 2 burdens: misunderstandings and stigma attached to the condition, and the symptoms and disabilities associated with it. The perception and attitude of communities towards people living with epilepsy (PLWE) have been evaluated in a few studies. This study therefore assessed the perception and attitude of people living in the Adaklu District, Volta Region, Ghana, towards PLWE. Methods: This was a cross-sectional community-based study conducted on 250 participants. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data using a structured questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model. Bivariate analysis was used to find factors of perceived susceptibility and benefit. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to show whether an association existed. Results: The results showed that 43% of the participants have good attitude towards PLWE. In addition, the study revealed aside the belief in bad spirits, that the community has a good perception on the causes of epilepsy. Majority of the respondents (70.4%) indicated genetic-neuropathology as the cause of epilepsy, with a few (12.0%) ascribing poverty as a cause. About 82.4% of the participants did not mind to stay in the same house with an epileptic patient, and 50% agreed they could allow family members to marry PLWE. Demographics such as marital status, sex, age, education, and occupation were found to be associated with some perceived causes of epilepsy (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Findings on the knowledge about the cause of epilepsy, possible susceptibility to developing epilepsy, and attitude of participants were similar to results from other low-income settings. There must however be extensive and evidence-based education to further clarify misbeliefs and misconceptions about epilepsy in the Adaklu District.