Abstract
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.
Highlights
Epilepsy is a treatable and curable brain disorder
Poor adherence to ordered medication is considered the primary cause of drug therapy failure in epilepsy
In another study conducted by Ogundele et al.,[9] good adherence was recorded in 70% of participants and the high adherence rate among patients in the study was explained by the fact that 65.8% of the respondents completed at least secondary education, but in the present study shows 71% non-adherence due to poor literacy rate among the participants
Summary
Epilepsy is one of the common neurological disorders which is featured by abnormal movement; may occur with or without loss of consciousness. It's with two major types; generalized or partial.[2] All over the world, misconceptions, fright and negative public attitudes toward this most prevalent neurological disorder results in discrimination, isolation and widespread social rejection of epileptic patients.[3] This common disease can be prevented and treated at a bearable cost effectively. Poor adherence to ordered medication is considered the primary cause of drug therapy failure in epilepsy. Antiepileptic therapy is an essential intervention aimed at improving the quality of life of patients who suffer from a disease which is known for its stigmatization with many cultural misconceptions.[4] Poor adherence to long-term therapies like epilepsy deeply alter the efficiency of treatment making this a crucial issue in public health from all the perspectives of life.[5,6]
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