Quality of Life of Patients Living With Epilepsy in Hungary
Author(s)
László Szabó, MSc1, Júlia Elza Horváth, MD2, Mónika Ferenczy, MSc3, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD4.
1Institute for Emergency Care, Health Pedagogy and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 2Department of Emergency Care, Markusovszky University Teaching Hospital, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 4Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institute for Emergency Care, Health Pedagogy and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 2Department of Emergency Care, Markusovszky University Teaching Hospital, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 4Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that profoundly affects patients’ physical, psychological, and social functioning. This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) among people with epilepsy (PWE) in Hungary, with a specific focus on daily functioning, self-perception, social relationships, and labor market participation.
METHODS: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire. Data collection included demographic variables and the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. The total sample consisted of 137 individuals: 77 with epilepsy, 30 with other chronic illnesses, and 30 healthy controls. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between groups in multiple QoL domains. Psychological well-being (H1) was lowest among epilepsy patients (M = 19.10, SD = 5.06), significantly lower than in healthy individuals (M = 36.63, SD = 9.55, p = 0.002) and those with other chronic diseases (M = 21.70, SD = 3.83, p = 0.031). Work-related satisfaction (H2) was also significantly lower in the epilepsy group (M = 16.55, SD = 3.75) compared to healthy controls (M = 20.00, SD = 2.91, p = 0.001) and other chronic patients (p = 0.004). Physical activity levels (H3) were significantly reduced among PWE (Median = 16) compared to healthy respondents (Median = 19, p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in recreational participation (H4) among groups (p = 0.311), although epilepsy patients showed descriptive disadvantages.
CONCLUSIONS: Epilepsy significantly reduces quality of life across several dimensions, especially psychological health, physical activity, and employment. These findings underscore the importance of integrated care approaches that include mental health support, social inclusion, and workplace adaptation strategies to improve the overall well-being of people living with epilepsy.
METHODS: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire. Data collection included demographic variables and the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. The total sample consisted of 137 individuals: 77 with epilepsy, 30 with other chronic illnesses, and 30 healthy controls. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between groups in multiple QoL domains. Psychological well-being (H1) was lowest among epilepsy patients (M = 19.10, SD = 5.06), significantly lower than in healthy individuals (M = 36.63, SD = 9.55, p = 0.002) and those with other chronic diseases (M = 21.70, SD = 3.83, p = 0.031). Work-related satisfaction (H2) was also significantly lower in the epilepsy group (M = 16.55, SD = 3.75) compared to healthy controls (M = 20.00, SD = 2.91, p = 0.001) and other chronic patients (p = 0.004). Physical activity levels (H3) were significantly reduced among PWE (Median = 16) compared to healthy respondents (Median = 19, p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in recreational participation (H4) among groups (p = 0.311), although epilepsy patients showed descriptive disadvantages.
CONCLUSIONS: Epilepsy significantly reduces quality of life across several dimensions, especially psychological health, physical activity, and employment. These findings underscore the importance of integrated care approaches that include mental health support, social inclusion, and workplace adaptation strategies to improve the overall well-being of people living with epilepsy.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH200
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Neurological Disorders