Volume :
6
Issue :
2
Abstract :
Background
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide which requires incorporation of complex therapeutic regimens in daily routines. Success of the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) regimen depends on the medication adherence. Non-adherence leads to recurrence, higher incidence of hospital admissions and imposes economic burden.
Objectives
To assess the factors contributing to self reported drug adherence of AEDs.
Materials and Methods
The study was conducted at the Neurology OPD, BMCRI for 6 months. 200 patients diagnosed with seizure disorder and prescribed AEDs were enrolled. Medication adherence was measured by patient self report using a single item question. The demographic and clinical variables of adherent and non-adherent patients were compared.
Results
Out of the 200 patients, 105 (52.5%) were males, mean age of the patients was 37.87±16.41 years and mean duration of epilepsy was 8.05+7.39 years. Most commonly prescribed AED was Carbamazepine (42%). About 11% of the patients reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs). 64.5% (129) of them were found to be adherent to AEDs and 35.5% (71) were non-adherent. Univariate Analysis showed that Age, education status, marital status, seizure burden, polytherapy and ADRs had a statistically significant association (p=