Epilepsy is one of the most common and widespread neurological disorders. The global burden is estimated to be 1% [1] affecting over 65 million people [2]. It has profound physical, psychological and social impacts with a greater impact on a person’s quality of life than other chronic diseases [3]. Epileptic patients may also have lower quality of life due to enormous social stigmas [4]. Epilepsy is a major public health problem in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) imposing a large economic burden on the health care system [1]. World Health Organization in 2005 reported that 80% epileptic patients lived in developing countries [1,5]. Despite a high prevalence of epilepsy in LMICs, most people do not receive appropriate treatment. This is due to limited knowledge, poverty, cultural beliefs, stigma, poor health delivery infrastructure, and shortage of trained health care workers [6]. Many Africans believe epilepsy is contagious. As a result of this, they are unwilling to help or touch the person who has fallen during seizure. This kind of belief worsens the stigma [1,7]. …show more content…
Studies showed a high prevalence of seizure (21–45%) in patients who did not adhere to their antiepileptic medications [8]. Patients who are non-adherent to their medication are frequently hospitalized with prolonged lengths of stay, have repeated emergency department visits, and miss school or work frequently because of the seizure effects or out of fear of seizure occurrence[9]. More than half of epileptic patients have poor seizure control due to non-adherence to medications. Studies showed a high rate of road accidents resulting in fracture, head injury and sudden unexpected death in patients with uncontrolled seizure attributed to non- adherence