Yield of Brain MRI in Clinically Diagnosed Epilepsy in the Kingdom of Bhutan: A Prospective Study

Background: People with epilepsy (PWE) in low- and middle-income countries may not access the health resources that are considered optimal for epilepsy diagnosis. The diagnostic yield of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been well studied in these settings. Objectives: To report the diagnostic yield of brain MRI and identify clinical associations of abnormal MRI findings among PWE in a neurocysticercosis-endemic, resource-limited setting and to identify the proportion and putative structural brain causes of drug-resistant epilepsy. Methods: PWE were prospectively enrolled at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Bhutan (2014-2015). Each participant completed clinical questionnaires and a 1.5-Tesla brain MRI. Each MRI was reviewed by at least 1 radiologist and neurologist in Bhutan and the United States. A working definition of drug-resistant epilepsy for resource-limited settings was given as (a) seizures for >1 year, (b) at least 1 seizure in the prior year, and (c) presently taking 2 or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Logistic regression models were constructed to test the cross-sectional association of an abnormal brain MRI with clinical variables. Findings: A total of 217 participants (125 [57%] female; 54 [25%] neurocysticercosis (n = 26, 12%, including 1 child) and congenital/perinatal abnormalities (n = 29, 14%, including 14 children). The number of AEDs (odds ratio = .59, 'P' = .03) and duration of epilepsy (odds ratio = 1.11, 'P' = .02) were significantly associated with an abnormal MRI. Seizure in the prior month was associated with the presence of mesial temporal sclerosis (odds ratio = .47, 'P' = .01). A total of 25 (12%) participants met our definition of drug-resistant epilepsy, with mesial temporal sclerosis (n = 10), congenital malformations (n = 5), and neurocysticercosis (n = 4) being the more common findings. Conclusions: The prevalence of abnormalities on brain MRI for PWE in resource-limited settings is high as a result of a diffuse range of etiologies, most commonly mesial temporal sclerosis. Drug-resistant epilepsy accounted for 12% of the referral population in a conservative estimation

A qualitative study on knowledge, perception, and practice related to non-communicable diseases in relation to happiness among rural and urban residents in Bhutan.

PurposeBhutan, known as a country of happiness, has experienced rapid social changes and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that can impact health and happiness. To inform future NCD prevention programs in Bhutan, this study explores knowledge, perception, and the practices of Bhutanese related to NCDs in the context of the philosophy of happiness.MethodologyResearch was conducted in rural and urban communities of Bhutan in 2017 among 79 inhabitants of both genders, aged ≥18. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling with the data collected by in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis.Results/discussionAcross participants, health was considered as an important element of "happiness". However, lifestyle-related NCD risk factors prevailed due to the lack of effective education programs on NCDs and thus the lack of practical knowledge for NCD prevention across society. We further found that the value of happiness "finding happiness in any situation is virtue" was universal as well as other traditional values and customs, shaping people's health behaviors. From these observations, it is recommended that more practical NCD education/prevention programs should be urgently introduced in Bhutan that involve multiple generations, religion authorities, educational settings, and medical services.OriginalityThis is the first comprehensive qualitative study on the NCD-related lifestyle risks among Bhutanese concerning the concept of happiness