Introduction: Epilepsy is a treatable and curable brain
disorder. However major proportion of individuals with this disease in developing
countries receives no treatment because of misunderstandings of the public. Other than
that, poor adherence to ordered medication is considered the primary cause of drug therapy
failure in epilepsy. This study conducted to assess the adherence pattern to antiepileptic
regimen, among patients with epilepsy and to identify the clinical and patient-related
factors contributing as barriers.
Methods: A cross sectional survey design was used in 100
epilepsy patients in an Outpatient unit of tertiary care center. A Convenient sampling
technique was used to enroll the patients who meet inclusion criteria. Structured
interview with pre-tested questionnaire and eight item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale
was used to collect the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for
analysis of data. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency and
percentages) were used to describe the clinical and demographic variables of study
participants. The determinants of medication adherence were analyzed using Chi-Square test
and independent student t- test. The analysis was done with SPSS 20th version.
Results: Majority (71%) of patients were not adherent to
antiepileptic treatment. Severity of seizure (indicated by the presence of seizure last
year), medication frequency and complexity of treatment were found to have significant
association with the Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AED) adherence status. Status of adherence is
significantly associated with frequency of seizure/year and positive life style.
Conclusion: As Medication adherence was observed to be low,
services for adherence counseling and health educational interventions in the epilepsy
clinics is recommended.
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