Exploring the Psychological Determinants of Quality of Life in Epilepsy: A Gender-Based Perspective

Abstract

: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that not only affects individuals physically but also triggers significant mental health challenges, particularly feelings of depression and anxiety. These psychological issues can greatly influence the overall quality of life of people with epilepsy, and their effects may vary across genders. This study aimed to explore how depression and anxiety predict the quality of life in epilepsy patients. It also examined the interplay between these psychological factors and quality of life, along with any gender differences in these variables. Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 380 epilepsy patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, were recruited through purposive sampling from various public and private sector hospitals and clinics in Peshawar, Pakistan. To assess depression, anxiety, and quality of life, standardized tools, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF were utilized. Findings indicated that both depression and anxiety serve as significant negative predictors of quality of life in those with epilepsy, accounting for a considerable amount of variance (70.2%) in the outcome. In addition, substantial inverse correlations were observed among the levels of depression, anxiety, and quality of life, suggesting that greater psychological distress correlates with a diminished quality of life. When comparing genders, female patients displayed significantly higher levels of both depression and anxiety than their male counterparts. However, no significant differences in overall quality of life scores were detected between genders. These findings highlight the critical need for incorporating mental health screenings and gender-sensitive strategies into standard epilepsy care to improve psychological well-being and enhance the overall quality of life for affected individuals.