Factors Influencing the Uptake of Medical Treatment Among Epileptic Patients at Mukono General Hospital, Mukono District, Uganda

Background: In Uganda, it is estimated that epilepsy affects between 2.2 to 12.6 individuals per 1000 population with a treatment uptake gap of 78%. The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing the uptake of medical treatment among epileptic patients at Mukono General Hospital, Mukono District. Methodology: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design that involved quantitative data collection methods. A sample of 30 respondents was recruited using a simple random sampling method and data was collected using questionnaires which were analysed and presented into tables, graphs and pie charts using Microsoft Excel 2020. Results: Individual factors were: 15 (50%) mentioned that medical treatment is important in management of epilepsy, 30 (100%) experienced side effects with epileptic drugs, and 21 (70%) sometimes forgot the scheduled follow up visits. Health facility related factors included: 23 (76.7%) lived in a distance of 10–50 kilometres from the health facility, 16 (53.3%) waited for three hours or more at the epileptic clinic, and 20 (66.7%) reported that drugs used in the management of epilepsy were available sometimes. Socio-cultural factors reported were: 14 (46.7%) experienced high stigma, 22 (73.4%) were advised to visit traditionalists/herbalists by their culture and, 14 (46.7%) reported that family members were sometimes supportive. Conclusion: There is a need for national public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and misinformation, alongside health system reforms to decentralize services, ensure consistent drug availability, and train healthcare workers in patient-centred care. Ultimately, success depends on a coordinated strategy that simultaneously targets community beliefs, financial barriers, and the quality of care within health facilities.