Assessment of quality of life in epilepsy in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Lower quality of life (QOL) was observed among people with epilepsy than those free from it. Identification of factors influencing QOL may be helpful in improving epilepsy care. Psychiatric morbidities have been shown to influence QOL adversely. This study aimed to determine the variables associated with QOL in patients with epilepsy free from psychiatric morbidities. Four hundreds patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh were recruited. QOL was measured using Telugu version of QOLIE89 (Quality of life 89) instrument. Mean of total QOL score was 42.30 ± 7.66(range 24-67). Those who were married, stayed in rural areas, not lettered, involved in agriculture and had low income levels (p<0.01) were found to have lower mean total QOL score. Multivariate regression analysis showed that previous exposure of knowledge on QOL, reaction to the diagnosis of epilepsy, stress in being alone and feeling of health getting worse were significant predictors of poor QOL in patients with epilepsy (p<0.01). Previous exposure of knowledge on QOL, response to the diagnosis of epilepsy, stress in being alone and feeling of health getting worse were significant predictors of lower quality of life among people with epilepsy.