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Impacts of the International Economic Sanctions on Iranian Patients With Epilepsy Publisher Pubmed



Asadipooya AA1, 2 ; Azizimalamiri R3 ; Badv RS4 ; Yarali B4 ; Asadollahi M5 ; Homayoun M1 ; Sharifi S1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  2. 2. Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
  3. 3. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Golestan Medical, Educational and Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
  4. 4. Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Neurology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Epilepsy and Behavior Published:2019


Abstract

Purpose: On May 8, 2018, the United States announced that it was withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal. This has resulted in reimposition of the economic hardship on Iran. We investigated the patients' perceptions of hardship in obtaining their antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) after the reimposition of sanctions. Methods: We surveyed patients with epilepsy visiting three centers in Iran on February 2nd to 6th (easy sampling) on their perceptions on two issues: 1. What has been your experience on obtaining your AEDs in the past six months? 2. Have you experienced any changes in your seizure control in the past six months? Results: Two hundred and forty-four patients participated. Ninety-two patients (37.7%) claimed that they have had significant difficulty obtaining their AEDs, and 37 patients (15.2%) said that their AED(s) was not accessible. Ninety-six people (72%) of those receiving imported AEDs and 33 patients (30%) of those receiving homemade AEDs had significant hardship obtaining their drugs (p = 0.00001). Forty-seven patients (36%) of those who reported significant hardship obtaining their AEDs and 25 (22%) of those who did not, perceived worsening of their seizures (p = 0.017). Conclusion: Sanctions have affected ordinary people, especially those who are vulnerable the most (i.e., patients), significantly. © 2019 Elsevier Inc.