Understanding Stigmatization, Psychological Burden and Quality of Life among Patients of Epilepsy

The current study was conducted to investigate the impact of perceived stigma and psychological burden on the quality of life among the patients of epilepsy. Sample of 560 (male=221, female=339 epileptic patients were selected through purposive sampling technique from Nishtar Hospital Multan and Combined Military Hospital Multan. Findings showed that perception of stigma, depression, anxiety and stress have a significant positive correlation. Stigma is a significant positive predictor of psychological burden. Results also indicate that stigma and psychological burden are significant negative predictors of quality of life. Significant differences were found in the demographic variable gender on stigmatization, psychological burden and quality of life. Stigma, depression, anxiety and stress are significantly higher in female epileptic patients as compared to male and has a detrimental effect on the patient’s quality of life, recovery, and prognosis. Thus, there is undoubtedly a need to address psychological issues, most notably the stigma associated with illnesses. Psychologists, psychiatrists, other physicians, and care givers of epileptic patients must pay close attention to the stigma in this patient population.