The study of lifestyle changes of patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis study

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of patients with epilepsy (PWE) in various ways. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess lifestyle changes, prevalence of mental disorders, and seizure frequency changes among PWE during the pandemic. It also explores the challenges of accessing healthcare and obtaining medicine, and telemedicine implementation rate among PWE during pandemic. The findings of this systematic review can help health organizations, policymakers, and health workers to better prepare and respond to future health crises for PWE and other chronic disease patients. Method We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for studies that reported data on lifestyle parameters, mental health, seizure frequency, access to healthcare and medicine, and telemedicine usage among PWE or their caregivers during the pandemic until May 2023. Results Overall, 98 studies were included in this study. Depression, anxiety, stress symptoms and poor sleep quality were, respectively, reported by 34%, 43%, 49% and 38% of PWE. 16.9% of PWE experienced an escalation, 10% a decrease and 67% no changes in seizure frequency. Regarding difficulties in accessing healthcare, 34% of PWE and 41% of caregivers experienced cancelled, changed or postponed appointments. Following issues with obtaining medicine, 13% of patients and 16% of caregivers had difficulties in medicine availability and 11% of patients and 10% of caregivers in medicine accessibility. A very high rate of 90% satisfaction with telemedicine was reported by PWE.