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Original Articles

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

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Pages 1168-1173 | Received 27 Dec 2017, Accepted 11 Jul 2018, Published online: 05 Sep 2018
 

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.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethical publication statement

We confirm that we have read the Journal’s position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this report is consistent with those guidelines.

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