Demographic Impact of Epilepsy in Africa: Results of a 10-year Cohort Study in a Rural Area of Cameroon

摘要: Summary: Purpose: To evaluate the demographic impact of epilepsy a rural area Africa. Methods: A cohort study was conducted between 1991 and 2001 in Mbam Valley (Cameroon) on two groups subjects (one persons with epilepsy, other control individuals matched for sex, age, village residence). At end follow-up, information mortality, marital status, numbers offspring obtained from 128 pairs subjects. Results: Thirty-seven (28.9%) six (4.7%) controls died 2001. The relative risk dying during follow-up among group people compared controls, 6.2 (95% CI, 2.7–14.1). most frequent causes death were status epilepticus, sudden unexpected (SUDEP), drowning. Of 90 pairs, which both members still alive 2001, 15 (16.7%) married as 53 (58.9%) controls. mean number children 0.9 1.7 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Health personnel should be trained sensitized about devastating effect this neglected disease developing countries. In those areas where onchocerciasis programs are organized by using community-directed-treatment approach, possibility that ivermectin distributors could also responsible distributing antiepileptic drugs considered.