Problems of everyday functioning of people with epilepsy

Introduction. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases. The spreading indicator of epilepsy is estimated at 1%, which
means that in Poland about 400 000 people suffer from this disease. In case of epilepsy the procedure includes acceptance of the disease,
competent dealing with its consequences and help in keeping optimal health state.

Aim of the study. The goal of this work is assessment of quality of life of patients with epilepsy and getting to know psychosocial functioning
of people with epilepsy in the society.

Material and methods. The research was conducted in the Specialistic Polyclinic ‘H&H‘ in Wrocław from March to June 2007. The research
instrument was a quality of life (QL) questionnaire made per own analysis. The examined group consisted of adults (50 people), who had
been diagnosed with epilepsy.

Results and conclusions. Respondents assessed their health state as good. Malaise was escalating among people suffering from epilepsy
for 5-14 years (46%). Patients with epilepsy were afraid of occurrence of consecutive bouts and felt endangered with mutilation during
bout (68%.) Epilepsy caused disorders in cognitive functions of patient, in concentration (78%) and in memorizing (59%). Straight majority
of the examined spent their free time in a passive way in the company of family or friends. Epilepsy was the factor which determined their
social life. It limited their skills at work (26%) and making new acquaintances (22%). Attitude to the disease depended on patient’s life attitude; optimists accepted their disease more easily and adjusted to functioning in the society faster (18%), for people with pessimistic
personality it was harder to accept the fact they suffer from epilepsy (82%).

Nursing Topics 2010; 18 (4): 371-378