Quality of life of people and perceived stigma among people living with epilepsy in Cameroon

Background: Epilepsy remains a significant public health issue in Cameroon, where social stigma and limited access to care can severely affect quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess and compare QoL of people living with epilepsy (PWE) and non-epileptic controls, and to identify factors associated to poor QoL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 participants, including 100 PWE and 200 non-epileptic controls. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial data were collected using a structure questionnaire. QoL was assessed using the MOS SF-36 scale, while anxiety and depression were evaluated using the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and perceived stigma with epilepsy stigma scale. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictive factors of poor QoL. Results: Participants had a mean age of 37.6 ± 15.9 years, with male represented 51% of both groups. Poor QoL was experienced by 19% of PWE and 19.5% of controls (p = 0.963). Anxiety and depression were found in 54% and 28% of PWE compared with 49% and 23.5% of controls, respectively (p > 0.05). Perceived stigma was significantly higher in PWE (45%) than in controls (p = 0.015). In multivariate analysis, (adjusted OR = 11.55, 95%CI 1.55–85.65, p = 0.017), and epilepsy duration < 5 years (adjusted OR = 54.01, 95%CI 2.15–1354.52, p = 0.015). Conclusion: Although overall QoL scores were comparable in both groups, stigma was significantly higher in PWE and controls, reflecting the persistent psychosocial burden of epilepsy. Anxiety and shorter duration of the disease were predictors of poor QoL among PWE, highlighting the need of early psychological supports and community-based anti-stigma programs to improve holistic epilepsy care in our setting.