Emotional distress among caregivers of patients with epilepsy in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria

Type Journal Article - African Journal of Psychiatry
Title Emotional distress among caregivers of patients with epilepsy in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria
Author(s)
Volume 16
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2013
Page numbers 41-44
URL http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajpsy/article/viewFile/90854/80283
Abstract
Objective: Caregivers of patients with epilepsy experience considerable emotional distress. The study aimed to assess the
magnitude of the problem in a developing country. Method: A total 166 patients-caregivers were enrolled for the study. They
were interviewed using a socio-demographic data collecting sheet and the Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS). Data
obtained were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Windows version 13. All statistical tests were carried out at
a 5% level of probability. Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 45.44±6.67 years. Emotional distress was found among
109(65.7%) of the caregivers. This is was significantly associated with male gender of both care giver and patient as well as
residing in a rural area. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a high level of emotional distress associated with caring for patients
with epilepsy, which is comparable to other studies carried out in other parts of the world.

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