Parents' Understanding of the Causes and Management of Their Children's Epilepsy in Khayelitsha, Cape Town

Bibliographic Data

ID11011287
AuthorsMpoe Johannah Keikelame (0000-0001-5781-437X, Directorate of Primary Health Care, Old Main Building, E 47 Room 63, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, South Africa, corresponding author), L Swartz (0000-0003-1741-5897, Stellenbosch University)
Year2007
Volume37
Issue2
Pages307-315
Publication date2007-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSouth African Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0081-2463 • E-ISSN: 2078-208X
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/008124630703700206
OpenAlexW2148336355
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited19

This article shares the findings of a study done in Khayelitsha, a peri-urban township in Cape Town. The study explored what parents understood as the cause of their children's epilepsy and how they managed the condition. The objective was to provide information that may be used to inform the design of appropriate health promotion interventions to address the problem. Twelve parents of children with epilepsy were interviewed through a semi-structured interview schedule. Most participants did not know the cause of their children's epilepsy. The known medical causes were meningitis, tumour, and heredity. Evil spirits ( amafufunyane) and bewitchment were reported by some participants as the cause of their children's epilepsy. Major findings were the lack of understanding of the correct use of seizure medication, the appropriate use of first aid measures, the importance of disclosing the condition, and regular check-up. Some participants reported having used traditional and Western treatment. Although the study findings cannot be generalised, they highlight potential implications for collaborative approaches to address epilepsy. These approaches should empower children with epilepsy and their carers through supportive health promotion interventions that address contextual factors impacting on the problem as a ‘whole’. There is also probably a need for training health care workers in epilepsy care and management. Further research is needed to investigate the difficulties encountered by children with epilepsy at school

Epilepsy · Promotion (chess) · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Epilepsy research and treatment · Medicine · Pharmacological Effects and Toxicity Studies · Psychology

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