Authors: Dan Bhwana, Luís-Jorge Amaral, Olivia Kamoen, Athanas Mhina, Vivian Mushi, William Makunde, William Matuja, Meshack Mpogole, Bruno P Mmbando, Robert Colebunders
In Mahenge, Tanzania, a community-based epilepsy care program helped reduce seizures and improve medication adherence among people with epilepsy in a region affected by onchocerciasis. Community health workers screened for epilepsy, distributed antiseizure medications (ASMs), promoted ivermectin use for onchocerciasis, and monitored progress monthly. The program significantly reduced seizures from 1.9 to 0.4 per week on average and increased medication adherence from 57.5% to 94.7%. Longer participation, adherence to ASMs, carbamazepine use, and ivermectin intake were linked to fewer seizures. The findings highlight the potential of community-based care to improve epilepsy management in underserved areas. Further research is needed to explore ivermectin’s role and optimal ASM use in such settings.
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Resource Topic: CHW Role, Epilepsy
Resource Type: Cohort Study
Year: 2024
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: Tanzania
Publisher May Restrict Access: No