Illness and treatment perceptions of patients with epilepsy attending their treatment at tertiary hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia–a qualitative exploration

Résumé

Abstract Background Epilepsy can be a large economic burden in countries where appropriate treatment is not taken due to religious and psychosocial beliefs. Objective To explore the perceptions and experiences of patients with epilepsy attending their treatment at Tikur Anebessa Specialized Hospital about their illness and treatment. Methods A qualitative exploratory design with an in-depth interview with fourteen purposively selected patients was used until saturation of key emerging themes was achieved. Result The finding showed that study participants experienced delay in treatment-seeking and non-adherence to recommended treatment regimens and as well use of traditional medicine and spiritual healing. Some of the possible reasons for their reported behaviors include alternative perceptions that they have about their illness, social and psychological issues that they face, concerns about their medications alongside with dissatisfaction with their healthcare providers. On the other hand, reasons that were reported to positively influence their treatment experiences include necessity perceptions about their medications, family support and use of spiritual healing alongside their biomedical treatment. Conclusion The healthcare provision should improve to cater to these groups of patients including instituting chronic care management and appropriate health education provision.

Citer ce document

Accès au document

Ce document est hébergé sur son dépôt institutionnel d'origine.

Auteur(s)

Statistiques

Consultations : 1

Téléchargements : 0