Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt: A Community-based Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Fayoum University

2 Fayoum University, public health , faculty of medicine

Abstract

Background
Epilepsy is a major public health problem affecting nearly 70 million people worldwide. There is a lack of data about the prevalence of epilepsy in Fayoum, Egypt. Objectives: to detect the prevalence of Epilepsy in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, and to identify its relation to socio-demographic characteristics as age, sex, and socioeconomic standard and family history. Patients and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was conducted using a validated questionnaire. Results The prevalence of epilepsy among Fayoum inhabitants was 12/1000 with 95% CI (8.5-16.5)/ 1000 of the population. The participant number was 2746. The prevalence of active epilepsy was 6.9/1000 with 95%CI (4.4-10.8/1000). The prevalence was higher in males (18.2 /1000) than females (5.8/1000), according to age showed increased prevalence in younger age groups less than 18 years than older age groups was observed. Male sex, low socioeconomic standard, and positive family history were identified risk factors for epilepsy with OR (95%CI) 3.155 (1.323- 7.524), 2.944 (1.266 - 6.848), and 14.289(5.078- 40.214) respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of epilepsy was high in Fayoum Governorate. High prevalent epilepsy rate was reported in younger age groups.

Keywords