Quality of life of patients with epilepsy living in Kingston, Jamaica

Quality of life in epilepsy has not been documented in the English-speaking Caribbean. The aim of this study was to explore the quality of life of persons with epilepsy (PWE) living in Jamaica and determine the impact of socioeconomic factors by examining two socially distinct groups in semiprivate (Epilepsy Centre of Jamaica) and public (Kingston Public Hospital) outpatient clinics. One hundred nine consecutive patients were interviewed. Quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 inventory (QOLIE-31). Both groups were matched for gender, epilepsy syndrome, epilepsy duration, and number of antiepileptic drugs. Predictors of quality of life included number of antiepileptic drugs (P = 0.039), epilepsy duration (P < 0.05), and functional status (P < 0.001). Neither seizure frequency nor socioeconomic status predicted QOLIE-31 scores. Mean QOLIE-31 total score (61.57 vs 49.2, P < 0.001) and QOLIE-31 subscale scores (with the exception of the Seizure Worry score [53.8 vs 48.2, P = 0.08]) were significantly higher than the corresponding t scores. The QOLIE-31 can reliably be used in Jamaica. Our findings suggest Jamaicans living with epilepsy perceive themselves as having a better than expected quality of life.

Research highlights
► Quality of life of persons with epilepsy living in Jamaica was examined.
► Two socially distinct groups of persons with epilepsy in Kingston, Jamaica, were compared.
► Social factors were not predictive of better Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 scores in the two cohorts.
► Duration of epilepsy, number of antiepileptic drugs, and functional status predicted Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 scores.
► The Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 inventory can reliably be used in the Caribbean.