Improving daily life for Ugandans living with epilepsy
Self-management Intervention for Reducing Epilepsy Burden among Ugandans with Epilepsy
This project is developing a self-management program to help people with epilepsy in Uganda better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Makerere University College of Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kampala, Uganda) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137064 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with epilepsy, especially in low-income countries, face challenges like limited social support, difficulty taking medications regularly, and stigma, which can make their condition harder to control and affect their well-being. This project aims to create a culturally sensitive self-management program called SMART-U, which stands for Self-Management for people with epilepsy and a histoRy of negative health evenTs in Uganda. The program will help participants learn strategies to cope with their epilepsy, improve their medication adherence, and enhance their overall mental health. By focusing on ongoing assessment and support, the goal is to reduce the daily difficulties associated with epilepsy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are Ugandans living with epilepsy who experience challenges with their condition, including social isolation, stigma, or difficulties with medication adherence.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have epilepsy or who are not located in Uganda would not directly benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the quality of life and mental well-being for people with epilepsy in Uganda by empowering them with better self-management skills.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary pilot work by this study team has shown that the SMART-U program is well-accepted by participants, suggesting a promising foundation for this larger effort.
Where this research is happening
Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences — Kampala, Uganda (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaddumukasa, Mark — Makerere University College of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kaddumukasa, Mark
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.