Reducing epilepsy stigma and improving care for adolescents and families in Uganda (AWE Change)
Epilepsy in Uganda: Clinical characterization and co-morbidities, their relation to stigma among adolescents and impact of a community-based engagement program (AWE Change project)
This project works with people living with epilepsy in Uganda—especially adolescents—to understand related health problems and reduce stigma using community engagement and clinic-based support.
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-11184394 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, researchers will collect my medical history, record seizure patterns, and screen for other health problems like mental health issues and infections. They will ask about my experiences with stigma and how epilepsy affects school, work, and family life using interviews and surveys. The team will run community workshops and engagement activities (AWE Change) aimed at reducing discrimination and linking people to medicines and local care. Participants will be followed over time to see whether the program improves health, social inclusion, and access to treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with epilepsy in the participating Ugandan communities—especially adolescents and their caregivers—who can attend local clinic visits and community engagement sessions.
Not a fit: People without epilepsy, those living outside the study area, or those unable or unwilling to participate in local clinics and community activities are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lower stigma, increase access to anti-seizure medications and support services, and improve quality of life for people with epilepsy in the participating communities.
How similar studies have performed: Community-based stigma-reduction and care-linkage programs have shown promise in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, but comprehensive, long-term clinical data specifically for Ugandan adolescents remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences — Kampala, Uganda (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kakooza, Angelina Mwesige — Makerere University College of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kakooza, Angelina Mwesige
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.