Challenges faced by family caregivers of children living with epilepsy attending mental health services at Ndera Neuropsyciatric Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

Abstract

Introduction The epilepsy is most common neurological diseases globally, most of the people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination, this study aimed to explore the challenges faced by care givers of children living with epilepsy

Methodology A qualitative research approach that explored the challenges faced by caregivers of children living with epilepsy in the community. The participants were interviewed using a structured interview question, and focus group discussion of the care givers, they were recorded thereafter an exploratory descriptive was designed to explore the challenges faced by family caregivers of children with epilepsy, who attended NDERA Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital Rwanda, during April to June 2023.

The results The major findings of this study shown that family care givers of children living with epilepsy have minimal level of education, 90% achieved primary education and 10% achieved only secondly level of education and no one attained university level of education. However, about emotional and physical level, all respondents have kind of depression and forgetfulness, Socially, most of them are discriminated and family conflict and divorces were reported in the research study. The study also showed that no one had no financial supports from anywhere.

Conclusion The families with children living with epilepsy face the challenges of poverty, discrimination forgetiness ,stigma, a proper care and financial support shall be allocated mainly to the families and community sensitization on epilepsy shall be enhanced