Inverse relationship between stigma and quality of life in India: is epilepsy a disabling neurological condition?

Epilepsy Behav. 2014 Oct:39:116-25. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.07.004. Epub 2014 Sep 18.

Abstract

Objective: Stigma associated with epilepsy has negative effects on psychosocial outcomes, affecting quality of life (QOL) and increasing disease burden in persons with epilepsy (PWEs). The aim of our study was to measure the impact of stigma on the QOL of PWEs and the prevalence of neurological disability due to stigmatized epilepsy.

Method: A prospective observational study with a sample of 208 PWEs was conducted. Neuropsychological Tests used were the Indian Disability Evaluation Assessment Scale (IDEAS) to measure disability, the Dysfunctional Analysis Questionnaire (DAQ) to measure QOL, and the Stigma Scale for Epilepsy (SSE) to assess stigma.

Results: Spearman correlation was calculated, and stigma (SSE) was highly significant with QOL (DAQ) (0.019) and disability due to stigmatized epilepsy (IDEAS) (0.011).

Conclusion: The present study supports the global perception of stigma associated with epilepsy and its negative impact on their overall QOL and its contribution to the escalation of the disease burden.

Keywords: Disability; Epilepsy; Neuropsychology; Psychosocial outcome; QOL; Stigma.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Epilepsy / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Persons with Disabilities / psychology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Social Stigma*
  • Young Adult