An evaluation of the psychosocial impact of epilepsy on marriage
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of the psychosocial impact of epilepsy on marriage
IRAS ID
141280
Contact name
Arjune Sen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
OUH NHS Trust and University of Oxford
Research summary
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain, affecting more than 50 million individuals worldwide at any given time. Each year in Europe, there are 13,000 deaths due to epilepsy; 40% of which may have been prevented with proper access to correct diagnosis and treatment. A possible contribution to this phenomenon can be due to the stigmatisation of people with epilepsy, which discourages them from seeking medical attention and the care they require. Research into psychosocial aspects of epilepsy is vital to improve our understanding of epilepsy and patient care. Attitudes towards people with epilepsy are influenced by the extent of knowledge about the condition as well as sociological factors from their cultural background. Cure and prevention are still eventual goals, but many people are unnecessarily struggling with poor health, prejudice and death due to epilepsy.
Consecutive married patients and their spouses attending The Epilepsy Clinic at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford will be invited to participate. Detailed inclusion criteria are listed below. The expected duration of study is 9 months.
Using a tailored questionnaire, this work aims to understand and bring to light the psychosocial aspects of epilepsy in married patients in the United Kingdom. More specifically, the psychosocial burden for patients with epilepsy and the psychosocial burden for their spouses will be measured, compared and correlated with clinical burden. Additional analysis will evaluate whether certain ethnicities display a greater gender-specific disparity in their attitude to epilepsy in marriage
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1529
Date of REC Opinion
11 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion