Belief in medication and adherence to antiepileptic drugs in people with epilepsy: a cross-sectional study from rural India

Abstract

Aim of the study: This study was aimed to assess belief in medication and non-adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in people with epilepsy (PWE) from rural India. And furthermore to study the demographic and seizure attributes influencing the adherence.Materials and methods: Present cross-sectional study included 230 adult PWE. Adherence level was assessed by using validated Morisky–Green test and patient’s beliefs towards usage of AEDs by utilizing Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ).Results: On the Morisky–Green scale, 57% patients were reported non-adherent to treatment: 49.6% had moderate and 7.4% had low adherence levels. Non-adherence was considerably associated with lower socioeconomical status (p<.001), severity of seizures (p<.001), and duration of epilepsy (p<.041). The connection between seizures recurrence and non-adherence was measurably noteworthy (p<.001). Non-adherent patients had more concern about the potential adverse effects of AEDs (p<.0013).Conclusions: Beliefs about medicines are a contributing factor to adherence towards AEDs and more concern was common among non-adherent patients. The reinforcement of epilepsy services in rural and underserved areas can be done by providing a regular, uninterrupted, and free supply of AEDs on monthly basis in the government hospitals. There is a need for awareness and educational programs by healthcare professionals at different levels, to support and encourage positive beliefs, and discourage myths against AEDs in order to increase patient’s adherence.