General Practitioners and the Impact of Low Income in the Lives of People With Epilepsy: Results of an Australian Survey.

RATIONALE: This paper reports results of research undertaken with an Australian sample of people with epilepsy (PWE) of the impact of low income on their Quality of Life (QoL) level of Social Support and important life aspects.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES

Australian GPs have up to 10 PWE on their books. It is important that they have a good understanding of low-income effects on health and wellbeing of patients with epilepsy.

METHODS

Wave 6 of the Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Study (2022/23) is a cross-sectional study investigating a cohort of Australian PWE aged 18 years and older. A mixed methods analysis was undertaken.

RESULTS

QoL, Social Support and a range of life factors such as relationships, self-esteem and health were significantly worse for PWE with low incomes The qualitative component showed themes related to financial stress which emerged prior to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

GPs as first point of care providers are best placed to assist their patients' manage their health and wellbeing. Having a greater understanding of the effects of socioeconomic status of PWE can improve GP management including making informed referrals to other health providers.