Cognitive and Psychological Deficits in Children with Epilepsy at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana

Abstract

Cognitive and psychological deficits may be frequent in patients with epileptic disorders. The study was aimed at assessing the cognitive (memory and academic achievement) and psychological (anxiety and depression) deficits associated with epileptic disorders. The study also examined the effect of socio-economic status of the patient in ameliorating the cognitive and psychological deficits associated with the epileptic disorder. One hundred (n=100) respondents consisting of epileptic children (n=50) visiting the neurological clinic at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and healthy control group (n=50) from West African Basic School were selected to respond to questionnaires measuring cognitive and psychological deficits. Data were analysed using the MANOVA. Results of the study indicated higher psychological deficits among epileptic children compared to healthy control group. There was no significant difference in cognitive deficits between epileptic children and healthy control group. Lower socioeconomic status was found to ameliorate the cognitive deficits associated with epilepsy but did not have any significant impact on the psychological deficits. Findings suggest that though epilepsy has no negative significant impact on cognitive deficits, poor socio-economic factors can deteriorate the cognitive deficits associated with epileptic disorder.