Abstract:
Background: Epilepsy is defined by WHO as a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent
seizures, unprovoked by an immediate identified cause.The American Psychiatric Association
(APA) defines Suicide attempt as self-injurious behavior with a nonfatal outcome accompanied
by evidence (either explicit or implicit) that the person intended to die. Suicidal behaviors are
frequently seen among PWE. As this patient population is usually neglected from research
studies, this study aims to narrow the current gap of informationin Ethiopia regarding the burden
of Suicidal Behaviors in people living with Epilepsy and identify factors which are significantly
associated with Suicidal Behaviors in patients with epilepsy.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence of suicidal behaviors and associated factors among PWE
having follow-up at Jimma University medical center neurology clinic, June 2023
Methods: An institution-based cross sectional study was conducted.Source population:
Consecutive sampling technique was used with an estimated sample size: n=251. Interviewer
administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Logistic regression analysis was performed
to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. Independent variables
with a p-value < 0.05 were declared to have statistically significant association with Suicidal
Behaviors.
Result:The magnitude of suicidal behavior in patients with Epilepsy in this study was found to
be 19.8% (95%CI: 15.2-23.4)Divorced/windowed participants were 5.78 times more likely to
have suicidal behavior than respondents who were married (AOR=5.78, 95% CI: 1.93, 17.30).
Respondents who had depression were 6.86 times more likely to have suicidal behavior than
respondents who had no depression (AOR=6.86, 95% CI: 2.03-13.24). Patients who had anxiety
were 4.30 times higher likely to have suicidal behavior than participants who had no anxiety
(AOR=4.30, 95% CI: 1.53-12.15).Other factors that were associated with suicidal behavior
include poor social support and perceived stigma.
Conclusion:This study showed that suicidal behaviors were common among patients with
epilepsy. Screening for suicidal behaviors and associated factors such as depression and anxiety
in epileptic patients can improve the outcome of such patients. Caregivers must be cognizant of
the effects of perceived stigma and lack of social support on the outcome of such patients.
