REPORTS OF THE EXPERIENCE OF EPILEPSY IN A RURAL SOUTH-AFRICAN VILLAGE

It has become increasingly acknowledged that the social and psychologi cal consequences of epilepsy may be more debilitating than the epilept ic seizures themselves. This study, which formed part of an ongoing co mmunity health project which was carried out in the South African vill age of Mamre, was aimed at gaining an understanding of some of these p sychosocial aspects. Sixteen respondents were interviewed, with the us e of a semi-structured interview schedule. The findings revealed that respondents, as well as their families, had accepted the epilepsy and learnt to cope with it, although some respondents felt stigmatized by the epilepsy and made various attempts to conceal it from outsiders. P roblems which were caused by epilepsy included the fear of going out u naccompanied, as well as forgetfulness and irritable mood. Few respond ents had epilepsy which could be described as well-controlled, yet non e admitted being dissatisfied with their treatment. Implications of th e study included the need to assist the respondents and their families to better understand the management of epilepsy, so that every effort would be made to attain maximal seizure control.