Assessment of quality of life in Indian adults with epilepsy and their caregivers

Background Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder which requires chronic treatment. This has prominent impact on the quality of life of the patient and their caregivers. This study was planned to assess and correlate the quality of life in epilepsy (QOLIE) in these two groups, in India. Material and methods A total of 160 subjects with definite diagnosis of epilepsy according to ILAE and their caregivers were included in the study. The QOLIE 31 and SF 36 proforma were used as assessing instruments for subjects and caregivers respectively. Results Factors such as early age of onset of epilepsy, lesser duration of epilepsy, increased interval between seizures in subjects on monotherapy, socioeconomic and educational status had better quality of life (QOL) in subjects than age, gender, marital and employment status. On the other hand for caregivers following factors-age, gender, relation with the subjects and socioeconomic status had influenced the QOL. The QOL of the caregivers was directly proportional proportional to the QOL of their respective subject. Conclusion This study reaffirms the findings of the previous studies that key to improving quality of life of people with epilepsy, are good control of seizure and reducing side effects (by minimizing antiepileptic drugs) along with holistic care. Caregivers QOL is also proportionally affected by subjects QOL and it is seen to have adverse outcomes when the caregiver is female (mother or wife), elderly, of low socioeconomic status and when subject has poor seizure control.