Lekarze podstawowej opieki zdrowotnej a wpływ niskich dochodów na życie osób z epilepsją: wyniki australijskiego badania
General Practitioners and the Impact of Low Income in the Lives of People With Epilepsy: Results of an Australian Survey
W skrócie
Badanie pokazało, że osoby z epilepsją zarabiające mało mają gorszą jakość życia, mniej wsparcia społecznego i więcej problemów w relacjach, samopoczuciu i zdrowiu. Naukowcy zbadali Australijczyków z epilepsją i znaleźli, że stres finansowy jest dla nich poważnym problemem. Lekarze rodzinni powinni lepiej rozumieć, jak bieda wpływa na zdrowie pacjentów z epilepsją, aby móc im lepiej pomagać.
Oryginalny abstract (angielski)
RATIONALE: This paper reports results of research undertaken with an Australian sample of people with epilepsy (PWE) of the impact of low income on their Quality of Life (QoL) level of Social Support and important life aspects. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Australian GPs have up to 10 PWE on their books. It is important that they have a good understanding of low-income effects on health and wellbeing of patients with epilepsy. METHODS: Wave 6 of the Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Study (2022/23) is a cross-sectional study investigating a cohort of Australian PWE aged 18 years and older. A mixed methods analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: QoL, Social Support and a range of life factors such as relationships, self-esteem and health were significantly worse for PWE with low incomes The qualitative component showed themes related to financial stress which emerged prior to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: GPs as first point of care providers are best placed to assist their patients' manage their health and wellbeing. Having a greater understanding of the effects of socioeconomic status of PWE can improve GP management including making informed referrals to other health providers.