Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with epilepsy in Uganda: A descriptive cross-sectional study

•Three hundred and seventy persons with epilepsy assessed for effects of COVID-19 and its lockdown.•28.6% were subjected to various forms of physical and psychological violence.•The frequency of seizures increased among 23.5% of the study participants.•The rates of anxiety and depression were 15.7% and 17.6%, respectively.•Increased seizure rates and violence were linked to having depression or anxiety. To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the disease course, lives, and psychosocial wellbeing of persons with epilepsy (PWE) in Uganda. From April 2021 till May 2021, we carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study at four hospitals located in four regions of Uganda. PWE presenting at the study sites were offered a structured questionnaire in the local language. We used the PHQ-9 questionnaire to screen for depression and the GAD-7 to screen for anxiety. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with anxiety and depression. A total of 370 responses were collected. The median age of the respondents was 20.5 years (IQR 15–29), and 51.9% were males. During the lockdown period, the seizure frequency increased in 87 (23.5%) PWE. Various forms of physical and psychological violence were inflicted upon 106 (28.6%) PWE. Fifty-eight (15.7%) screened positive for anxiety and 65 (17.6%) positive for depression. Both increased seizure frequency and experienced violence were associated with experiencing depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown impacted seizure frequency and the psychosocial wellbeing of PWE in Uganda. Increased seizure frequency was associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression. This underlines the importance of continued follow-up of PWE and a low threshold to screen for depression, anxiety, and domestic violence.