Factors Influencing the Uptake of Medical Treatment Among Epileptic Patients at Mukono General Hospital, Mukono District, Uganda.

Abstract:

Background: In Uganda, it is estimated that epilepsy affects between 2.2 to 12.6 individuals per 1000 population with a treatment uptake gap of 78%. The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing uptake of medical treatment among epileptic patients at Mukono General Hospital, Mukono District. Methodology: The study used a descriptive cross sectional study design that involved quantitative data collection methods. A sample of 30 respondents was recruited using a simple random sampling method and data was collected using questionnaires which was analysed and presented into tables, graphs and pie charts using Microsoft Excel 2020. Results: Individual factors were; 15(50%) mentioned that medical treatment is important in management of epilepsy, 30(100%) experienced side effects with epileptic drugs and 21(70%) sometimes forgot the scheduled follow up visits. Health facility related factors included; 23(76.7%) lived in a distance of 10 – 50 kilometres from the health facility, 16(53.3%) waited for three hours or more at the epileptic clinic and 20(66.7%) reported that drugs used in management of epilepsy were available sometimes. Socio – cultural factors reported were; 14(46.7%) experienced high stigma, 22(73.4%) were advised to visit traditionalist/herbalist by their culture and 14(46.7%) reported that family members were sometimes supportive. Conclusion: There is need for national public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and misinformation, alongside health system reforms to decentralize services, ensure consistent drug availability, and train healthcare workers in patient-centred care. Ultimately, success depends on a coordinated strategy that simultaneously targets community beliefs, financial barriers, and the quality of care within health facilities