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

David Atsu Deegbe; Amme Mardulate Tshabalala; Lydia Aziato; Daleen Casteleijn

doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108527

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

Epilepsy Behav. 2022 Apr:129:108527. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108527. Epub 2022 Feb 12.

Authors

David Atsu Deegbe¹, Amme Mardulate Tshabalala², Lydia Aziato³, Daleen Casteleijn⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana. Electronic address: dadeegbe@ug.edu.gh.
² Department of Nursing Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: amme.tshabalala@wits.ac.za.
³ Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana. Electronic address: laziato@ug.edu.gh.
⁴ Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: Daleen.Casteleijn@wits.ac.za.

PMID: 35168123
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108527

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the meanings of quality of life among people living with epilepsy (PLWE) in Ghana.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Keywords: Ghana; Meaning; People Living with Epilepsy; Quality of life.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Epilepsy* / psychology
Ghana
Humans
Qualitative Research
Quality of Life* / psychology
Seizures / psychology