| Abstract [eng] |
THE ANALYSIS AND SITUATION OF MEETING OF SPECIAL NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY Master work V.: VU Department of Social Work SUMMARY Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Every year about 1300 people are diagnosed having epilepsy in Lithuania. However, the special needs and psychosocial situation of these people is not extensively studied yet. The data have been collected about 186 people with epilepsy of different age groups (children, adults and the elderly) by using questionnaires. Mothers filled in the questionnaires in order to give information about their children with epilepsy as they could not do it themselves. The results of the research show that both children and adults with epilepsy have psychological and interpersonal relationships problems. Adults face stigma more often than families having children with epilepsy. Stigma is not related to neuroepileptical and sociodemografical factors. Moreover, the research shows that special needs of both families having children with epilepsy and adults with epilepsy are not fully met. Briefing, psychological support, rehabilitation and involvement in mutual assistance groups are essential for people with epilepsy. Families having children with epilepsy also need assistance concerning care and education of their children. Adults with epilepsy are in the need of charity and food supply. Most of the adults with epilepsy are not employed, however, they did not express the need to work. |
