Browsing by Author "Gumisiriza, Alex"

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    Suicidal tendencies amongst patients with epilepsy at Kyabugimbi Health Centre IV, Bushenyi District
    (Kampala International University, School of Allied Health Sciences, 2017-07) Gumisiriza, Alex
    Introduction Epilepsy is the world’s most common brain disorder (WHO, 2005). The numbers of people around the world who have epilepsy are estimated to be 65million (US Epilepsy foundation, 2016). The association also defines epilepsy as a neurological condition that affects the nervous system. Problem statement Suicidal behaviour in epileptic patients is a real problem, frequently under-diagnosed by physicians EAtock Et al, 2007. This research will therefore investigate the relationship between illness perception and suicidal behaviour among people with epilepsy. General objective To assess the relationship between illness perception and suicidal tendencies among people with epilepsy. Specific objective To determine the rate of suicidal ideation and attempt among epileptic patients, investigate the relationship between the perception of epilepsy and suicidal behaviour and assess illness perception of patients with epilepsy. Results. 32.5% of the respondents had suicidal ideation and tendency with only 7.7 % having the highest tendency (17+ points). Most of the respondents agreed that the illness was temporary and did not have statistical significance in relation to suicidal ideation (f=0.06, p=79) Conclusion Perception of epileptic patients about the illness was negative, as vast majority of the sample agreed that; the illness was permanent, had major consequence on their lives, had a serious financial impact on them, gives difficulty to those who are close to them, they felt depressed about the illness and the illness could not be cured The relationship between perception and suicidal tendencies was minimal Recommendation • The health workers should provide adequate counselling services to epileptic patients; Epileptic patients should be screened for depression. Stake holders should create employment opportunities; the health centre should sensitize the community about epilepsy.