Evaluation of quality of life, social stigma and treatment adherence in patients with epilepsy in the Caceres Healthcare Area: a cross-sectional study

Introduction. Epilepsy is a chronic disease with high prevalence. Its impact in the quality of life is influenced by factors like disease characteristics, comorbidities, stigma perception and treatment adherence. Aim. To assess the quality of life, the social stigma and the treatment adherence of patients with epilepsy in our area. Patients and methods. Descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. We analyzed data on quality of life (QUOLIE-10), social stigma and treatment adherence through different questionnaires. Results. 40 patients were studied. The mean age was 42.43 +/- 17.20 years, and the onset of epilepsy was 25.88 +/- 16.81 years. 55% were women. The score in the quality of life questionnaire was 19.28 +/- 8.03 points in men and 17.00 +/- 7.69 for women, this difference being not significant. There were also no significant differences for social stigma, with a mean of 11.50 +/- 13.47 points in men and 6.00 +/- 10.36 points for women (p = 0.152). According to the treatment adherence questionnaire (Morisky-Green), 70% of the patients studied were compliant with the treatment. Conclusions. Patients with epilepsy in our environment have a good quality of life, probably related to good treatment adherence and compliance. There is low perceived social stigma but people with epilepsy still trend to hide their condition.