Effects of stigma on the quality of life in patients with epilepsy

This study was aimed to evaluate the stigma and quality of life (QoL) in adult patients with epilepsy (PWEs) and explore the relationship between stigma and QoL.

Two hundred and ninety-eight PWEs admitted to the Epilepsy Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University during September 2020 and March 2021 were enrolled in this study. All participants completed self-reported questionnaires including the Stigma Scale for Epilepsy and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31).

A total of 146 (49%) PWEs reported an experience of stigma. The total score of QOLIE-31 and the individual scores of seven subscales (worry about new seizures, emotion, well-being, energy and fatigue, cognitive impairment, medication effect, and social function) were significantly decreased in these patients (P < 0.001). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis showed that the annual household income per capita, the number of antiseizure medications and stigma had statistically significant effects on QoL (P < 0.05). Among them, stigma had the most significant negative effect.

Nearly half of PWEs have experienced stigma. Stigma, lower household income per capita, and polypharmacy treatment are associated with poorer QoL. Stigma has the most obvious negative impact.