Epidemiology and Treatment of Epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa 2007-2011

This population-based study measured the prevalence of active convulsive epilepsy and assessed risk factors for this condition in five Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS). These HDSS sites included: Kilifi (Kenya), Agincourt (South Africa), Iganga-Mayuge (Uganda), Ifakara (Tanzania), and Kintampo (Ghana).

As part of a three-stage screening process, fieldworkers attempted to identify people with epilepsy with questions during routine household censuses. Following this step, detailed questionnaires were administered and clinicians performed examinations. During this process, a random population of age-matched control individuals were selected from each HDSS site. Fieldworkers and clinicians were not told if the participants were control individuals or people possibly having epilepsy. A subgroup of 300 case and 300 control individuals provided blood samples. At the conclusion of the study, 1,711 people were diagnosed with active convulsive epilepsy.