Meanings of quality of life among people living with epilepsy in Ghana; a qualitative exploratory study.

Journal: Epilepsy & behavior : E&B

Volume: 129

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 2022

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG , Legon, Accra, Ghana. Electronic address: dadeegbe@ug.edu.gh. Department of Nursing Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: amme.tshabalala@wits.ac.za. Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG , Legon, Accra, Ghana. Electronic address: laziato@ug.edu.gh. Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: Daleen.Casteleijn@wits.ac.za.

Abstract summary 

The purpose of this study was to explore the meanings of quality of life among people living with epilepsy (PLWE) in Ghana.An exploratory-qualitative study design was adopted. Face-to-face in-depth interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide, were conducted on 15 PLWE who were purposively selected for the study. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The content analysis approach was then used to analyze the data.Four themes - "acceptance", "support", "seizure control", and "self-reliance" emerged from the study as meanings of Quality of life (QoL). Quality of life meant unconditional acceptance from family, friends, acquaintances at home, school, and work, and by the public despite epilepsy. Receiving support in the form of protection from injury during a seizure, financial assistance to meet individual and family demands, emotional warmth, and spiritual support through prayers and encouragement, was QoL for PLWE. Achievement of control over seizures and being self-reliant in terms of selfcare and daily activities in addition to having some form of financial independence meant QoL.Meanings of quality of life among PLWE is associated with being accepted and supported by family and friends as well as being in control of seizures and attaining a status of independence.

Authors & Co-authors:  Deegbe David Atsu DA Tshabalala Amme Mardulate AM Aziato Lydia L Casteleijn Daleen D

Study Outcome 

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Citations : 
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108527
SSN : 1525-5069
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Epilepsy
Other Terms
Ghana;Meaning;People Living with Epilepsy;Quality of life
Study Design
Exploratory Study,Case Control Trial,Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Country of Study
Ghana
Publication Country
United States