Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Patients with Epilepsy at Selected Public Hospitals of Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background:Epilepsy is strongly associated with an impaired quality of life and leading to premature death both in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the fact that understanding the status and determinant of the quality of life of epileptic patients is the first step toward improving treatment results, there is a shortage of evidence-based information on the quality of life of epileptic patients in our study area. Objective: To assess the quality of life and its associated factors among patients with epilepsy at selected public hospitals of the Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia, from June 30 to July 30, 2023. Method:Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 422 epileptic patients in 5 public hospitals of the Somali region from June 30 to July 30, 2023, using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, entered into Epi-data version 3.2, and analyzed by SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics like frequencies, proportions, and summary measures were used to describe the findings using tables and graphs. A Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the associations between the dependent variable and independent variables. Finally, the strength of associations between the quality of life out come variable and independent variables was assessed by adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals. A P value less than 0.05 was used to declare the statistical significance of the observed associations. Results: Overall, the good quality of life of epileptic patients was 56.4 % (95% CI=51.5–59.2%). In the final model of multivariable analysis, factors such as ages ranged greater than or equal to 35 (AOR=0.28; 95%CI: 0.11, 0.71), family size 4 to 6 and greater than or equal to 7 (AOR=0.12; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.33) and (AOR=0.23; 95%CI: 0.08, 0.68), had drug adherence (AOR= 14.42; 95%CI: 3.93, 52.95 ), no physical activities (AOR=0.33; 95%CI: 0.17, 0.66), smoking (AOR=0.41; 95%CI: 0.18, 0.91), drinking alcohol (AOR=0.06; 95%CI: 0.02, 0.18), had no anxiety (AOR= 2.74; 95%CI: 1.12, 6. 71), and had no depression (AOR= 3.32; 95%CI: (1.35, 8.17) were found to be associated significantly with good quality of life life. Conclusions and recommendation: According to this study, approximately six out of ten epileptic patients had good quality of life, which is less as the epileptic standard treatment. Factors such as age, family size, drug adherence, physical activities, smoking, drinking alcohol, anxiety status, and depression status were associated with quality of life life. Therefore, it would be best if all health professionals placed a XII major focus on providing health education and counseling on treatment adherence ,comorbidity and abstaining from substance use. Additionally, it would be extremely beneficial to regularly screen for, identify, and treat psychiatric disorders in order to improve the quality of life for epilepsy patients