Factors influencing quality of life in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Background:  Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) predisposes individuals to cognitive difficulties and psychosocial consequences. Evaluating its impact on quality of life (QOL) is essential for patient care.

Objective:  To identify factors influencing QOL in low-income patients with TLE.

Methods:  An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 patients with TLE during neurological consultations at a day clinic in Agadir, Morocco. The Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31) was used to measure QOL. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the associations between QOL and demographic, clinical, psychiatric, social, and cognitive variables. Results were considered statistically significant at a p-value < 0.05.

Results:  The mean overall QOL score was 48.14 ± 22.02. Among the seven scales of the QOLIE-31, the Seizure Worry scale had the lowest mean score. Cognitive function, social support, and self-esteem were positively associated with QOL. In contrast, memory complaints, seizure duration, seizure frequency, anxiety, and depression were negatively associated with QOL.

Conclusion:  While current interventions primarily target seizure control, our findings emphasize the need for holistic approaches that address both cognitive and psychosocial challenges to optimize QOL.