A study of the relevant theoretical concepts and
empirical research was undertaken to explore the role
of the social worker pertaining to the problem of
epilepsy in the black community of Mamelodi.
The sample comprised 40 families in which there was a
person with epilepsy. Data were obtained through an
interview schedule administered by the researcher.
The literature study highlighted the phenomenon
epilepsy, causes of epilepsy/ psychosocial effects of
epilepsy on the epileptic and his family and the
treatment of the epileptic. However/ it became quite
clear that a multi-disciplinary team approach is
vital importance in the treatment of an epileptic
Furthermore/ significant others like traditional healers, faith healers, priests, relatives and friends were identified as some of the important informal support systems.
Although the findings of study cannot be generalised to the entire population they can be of great
significance for further research.
'n Studie van die relevante konsepte asook empiriese
navorsing is gedoen om die rol van die maatskaplike
werker met betrekking tot die probleem van epilepsie in
die swart gemeenskap van Mamelodi te eksploreer.
Die steekproef is saamgestel uit 'n groep van 40
gesinne met 'n epileptikus in hul midde. Inlighting is verkry deur
groep van onderhoudskedule.
Die literatuurstudie beklemtoon die volgende: die
verskynsel van epilepsie, oorsake van epilepsie,
psigososiale gevolge van epilepsie op die per soon met
epilepsie en sy gesin en die behandeling van die
epileptikus. Dit het egter duidelik na vore gekom dat
'n multi-dissiplinere spanbenadering van die uiterste
belang is in die behandeling van die epilepsielyer.
Dit het ook duidelik geword dat betekenisvolle ander
persone soos tradisionele genesers, geloofsgenesers
priesters, familie en vriende van die mees belangrike
steunstelsels is.
Alhoewel bevindinge van die studie nie veralgemeen kan
word en van toepassing gemaak kan word op die bevolking
as geheel nie, kan dit egter van groot belang vir
verdere navorsing wees.