Impact of Metacognitive beliefs and Stigma on Quality of Life among Epilepsy Patients

Abstract

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder, significantly affects various aspects of an individual’s life, with psychological factors like metacognitive beliefs and social stigma potentially increasing the challenges faced by patients. This study investigates the impact of metacognitive beliefs and social stigma on the quality of life (QoL) among rural epilepsy patients. Focusing on how negative metacognitive beliefs (e.g., self-efficacy and seizure control) and perceived stigma affect the emotional, social, and physical well-being of individuals with epilepsy, the research involved 50 rural epilepsy patients, selected via purposive sampling. Three standardized tools (Meta-cognition Questionnaire, Kilifi Stigma Scale of Epilepsy, Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31) were used to collect data, which were analysed through correlation and regression techniques. The results revealed that higher levels of negative metacognitive beliefs and perceived stigma were linked to poorer QoL outcomes, especially in emotional and social domains. These findings underscore the importance of psychological interventions, such as metacognitive therapy and stigma reduction, to enhance the Quality of life of rural epilepsy patients. The study also emphasizes the importance to epilepsy care and support to enhance quality of life for this underserved population.