[Cultural differences in quality of life in patients with epilepsy according to QOLIE-31 data]

The study's objectives were to assess the quality of life in Russian patients with epilepsy using the special QOLIE-31 questionnaire and to compare the findings obtained with those of similar foreign studies. Two hundreds and eight patients with epilepsy at the age 18-74 years (average duration of disease - 12.05 +/- 9.89 years) completed the QOLIE-31. In whole, QOL scores for the Russian population were lower than in the European countries, the USA and Brazil. The greatest differences have been noted on the overall QOL, emotional well-being, cognitive and social functioning. The scores on a subscale "medication effect" corresponded to the data published by European and USA researchers but were higher than the Brazilian data. In the Russian population, the scores on the cognitive and social functioning were also higher compared to the Brazilian population. In conclusion, the considerable decrease in QOL scores in the Russian population indicate current problems on medical, psychological and social support of patients with epilepsy demanding special attention and further research.