On April 2026, Dr. Hussein Hallak in collaboration with Al-Quds University Public Health PhD graduate Dr. Abeer A. Ghanayem published a new article in Q1 journal called BMC Health Services Research, by the title of Understanding the psychosocial impact and healthcare experiences of people living with epilepsy in the West Bank, Palestine.
This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of people with epilepsy, focusing on their personal, social, and healthcare-related challenges and coping mechanisms.
A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured in-depth interviews from primary healthcare clinics. We purposively interviewed twelve participants, aged 20–65 years, of both genders, residing across all districts of the West Bank. Three major themes emerged regarding the lived experiences of people with epilepsy: disruption of the emotional and social lifeworld; healthcare encounters as structures of meaning-making; and intentional coping and sources of support in the lived body. The participants’ narratives illustrate how epilepsy intersects with stigma, systemic inadequacies, and sociopolitical constraints, shaping their daily experiences and identities.
The study concludes that perceptions and lived experiences of people with epilepsy affect the psychosocial well-being of people with epilepsy, such as stigma, loss of autonomy, and dependence on others and medication. Narratives emphasized the importance of accepting people with epilepsy from society, regaining control strategies, and cultivating resilience through supportive relationships. The lived experience of epilepsy in Palestine is shaped not only by seizures but also by deep psychosocial distress, societal exclusion, and inadequate healthcare support. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrated resilience through familial bonds, faith, and self-developed strategies. These findings call for context-sensitive interventions that integrate psychosocial care into epilepsy management and address structural barriers to equitable healthcare. Amplifying patient voices is essential for informing policy and enhancing support for marginalized populations living with neurological conditions in conflict-affected settings.
For more information about the study, please contact the main author at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the scientific research office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.u