Satisfaction with life domains in people with epilepsy

While commonly used quality-of-life instruments assess perceived epilepsy-associated limitations in life domains and formally document patient concerns, less is known of community-dwelling adults with epilepsy about their satisfaction with broader life domains, such as satisfaction with housing, education, neighborhood, ability to help others, and achievement of goals. The purpose of this study was to examine satisfaction with life domains in a representative sample of community-dwelling adults with self-reported epilepsy from the 2008 HealthStyles survey. Following adjustment for sex, age group, race/ethnicity, education, and income, people with epilepsy were more likely to report frustration in the domains of achievement (e.g., dissatisfaction with education and life goals), compromised social interactions (dissatisfaction with family life, friends, and social life), and compromised physical capability (dissatisfaction with health and energy level). Life satisfaction and other well-being domains can supplement health indicators to guide treatment and program services for people with epilepsy to maximize their well-being.