Abstract Details

Title Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Topic Global Health and Neuroepidemiology

Presentation(s) P9 - Poster Session 9 (5:00 PM-6:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 20-010

Objective

To determine the incidence and prevalence of epilepsy, as well as analyze relevant subgroups regarding the epidemiology of epilepsy, identify solutions and inform policy-makers on data-driven interventions to improve epilepsy outcomes in Africa.

Background Epilepsy is a major contributor to the burden of disease in Africa as it imposes significant economic, psychosocial, and mental impacts on individuals and health systems. Obstacles including restricted healthcare access, insufficient diagnostic instruments, and stigmatization intensify the treatment gap and impede precise evaluation of the illness burden. Inconsistent data from previous studies hinder accurate assessment and data-driven management of the disease.

Design/Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies reporting the incidence or prevalence of epilepsy in African populations, following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023432628).

Results The findings reveal a pooled lifetime prevalence of 16.98 per 1,000 (95% CI 15.02–18.93) and a pooled active prevalence of 10.73 per 1,000 (95% CI 9.74–11.71), with regional variations. Notably, North Africa exhibited the highest prevalence rates (37.15 per 1,000; 95% CI 26.98–47.32), while Central Africa recorded the highest incidence rate at (248.24 per 100,000; I² = 84.6%) and lowest in Southern Africa (17.4 per 100,000; single study). Findings also include significant disparities in prevalence between rural and urban settings, with rural areas showing a higher burden, particularly in onchocerciasis-endemic regions. Gender differences were also noted, with higher prevalence observed in males.

Conclusions

The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions, enhanced healthcare access, and collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted challenges of epilepsy in Africa. These findings also underline the importance of developing public health strategies and policies that consider the unique epidemiological landscape of epilepsy on the continent.

Authors/Disclosures
Oreoluwa E. Morakinyo, MBBS (University of Texas Medical Branch) PRESENTER	Dr. Morakinyo has nothing to disclose.
Aliu O. Yakubu, MBBS (University of Ibadan)	Dr. Yakubu has nothing to disclose.
Chukwuma E. Nwaze, MBBS (Regions Stroke and Neuroscience Hospital)	Dr. Nwaze has nothing to disclose.
Moses G. Effiong	Dr. Effiong has nothing to disclose.
Gregory Atafo, MBChB (University of Virginia, Neurology Department)	Dr. Atafo has nothing to disclose.
Ayomide Owolabi, MBBS (College of Medicine, Ibadan)	Mr. Owolabi has nothing to disclose.
Favour C. Ezem, MBBS	Dr. Ezem has nothing to disclose.
Mayowa Owolabi, MD, FAAN (Neurology Unit, Dept of Med, UCH)	Dr. Owolabi has nothing to disclose.

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