An Exploratory Study Investigating The Experiences Of Adults Living With Epilepsy In The Khomas Region, Namibia

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the experiences of 10 adults with epilepsy (AWE) in the Khomas region of Namibia. The study focuses on the everyday of problems, needs and coping strategies of this population as described during semi-structured interviews.

An exploratory qualitative research design was used to investigate the experiences of AWE in the Khomas region of Namibia. Ten people with epilepsy were identified through purposive sampling. All participants were over the age of 18 years, no longer attended school and were not cognitively disabled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a self-designed interview guide. Fifteen broad open-ended questions focused on the everyday problems and needs that AWE encounter and the coping strategies that the participants have been using since they received a diagnosis of epilepsy. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the semi-structured interviews. George Engel’s (2012) biopsychosocial model was used to identify themes and subthemes within the data and to conceptualize the discussion.

The main findings of the study revealed that AWE experience problems in the biological domain that relate to the provision of healthcare services to AWE, comorbid health conditions and challenges that arise as a result of medication. In the psychological domain problems centred on the impact of epilepsy on the psychological well-being of the AWE while the impact of seizures on daily functioning was most evident in the social domain. A need for specialized healthcare services, for the acceptance of the epilepsy diagnosis and for employment, financial resources, independence and public education emerged in the respective domains. It was found that coping strategies consisted of biological management through medication, various psychological coping strategies and the utilization of social support structures.

The study further shows that AWE in Namibia experience similar problems and needs as AWE in other sub-Saharan countries in Africa. It is clear from the findings that the impact of epilepsy extends beyond the biological factors of the condition and that psychosocial influences play a major role in the challenges encountered by AWE in the Khomas region of Namibia.