Impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of children with epilepsy including nodding syndrome in Uganda: A qualitative study
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Epilepsy & Behavior
Abstract
To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on the access and
use of health services by children with epilepsy including nodding syndrome in Uganda.
Methods: Four focus group discussions (FGD) with parents/caregivers of children with epilepsy and five
in-depth interviews with key informants were conducted between April and May 2021 at Butabika
National Mental Referral Hospital and Kitgum General Hospital.
Results: COVID-19-related restrictions, including the halting of non-essential services and activities, and
suspension of public transport, created several challenges not only for children with epilepsy and their
parents/caregivers but also for their healthcare providers. Study participants described extreme transport
restrictions that reduced their access to healthcare care services, increased food insecurity and shortage
or inability to afford essential medicines as consequences of COVID-19-related restrictions. However, parents/
caregivers and healthcare workers adopted several coping strategies for these challenges.
Parents/caregivers mentioned taking on casual work to earn an income to buy food, medicines, and other
necessities. Healthcare workers intensified outreach services to affected communities. A positive impact
of lockdown measures described by some FGD participants was that most family members stayed at
home and were able to care for children with epilepsy in turn.
Conclusions: Our study highlights the significant negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related
restrictions on access to health services and the general well-being of children with epilepsy.
Decentralized epilepsy treatment services and nutritional support could reduce the suffering of children
with epilepsy and their families during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and similar future emergencies.
Description
Keywords
Epilepsy, Nodding syndrome, COVID-19, Wellbeing, Focus group discussions
Citation
Nono, D., Gumisiriza, N., Tumwine, C., Amaral, L. J., Ainamani, H. E., Musisi, S., & Colebunders, R. (2023). Impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of children with epilepsy including nodding syndrome in Uganda: A qualitative study. Epilepsy & Behavior, 138, 108992. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108992