Epilepsy-related stigma and cost in two onchocerciasis-endemic areas in South Sudan: A pilot descriptive study

Epilepsy is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. This is particularly so in resource-limited rural villages where people with epilepsy are often faced with a wide treatment gap, stigma and the high cost of care.

The study found:

• That people with epilepsy in rural South Sudan reported low-moderate perceived stigma.
• Stigma correlated with epilepsy cost &; was associated with traditional medicine use.
• Addressing epilepsy misconceptions and improving its treatment would reduce stigma.