Appraisal of Factors Associated with Uncontrolled Seizures and Medication Adherence

Aim: The main aim is to assess the factors concerning medication non-adherence and uncontrolled seizures. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital-based prospective observational study conducted in the outpatient department over 6 months, with patients who met the inclusion criteria. Patient’s medication beliefs were assessed using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire [BMQ]. The level of adherence was calculated using Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale [MMAS-8] to identify factors associated with uncontrolled seizures and non-adherence. Results: Two hundred and ten (210) patients were enrolled. We observed Generalised Tonic-Clonic Seizures (53.3%), Tonic seizures (19.5%), Focal seizures (13.3%), Tonic-clonic seizures (9%, and Absence seizures were also seen in (4.8%) of patients. Only (3.8%) of patients have controlled seizures due to poor medication adherence, compared to (37.6%) of patients who have better medication adherence (OR-9.104, p-0.0001). Patients who had negative beliefs about their treatment were more likely to have uncontrolled seizures (30.9%). (OR- 2.4904, p-0.0019). 49.5% of patients had uncontrolled seizures as a result of anti-epileptic drug’s side effects, as compared to just 9% of patients who had no side effects (OR-2.463, p-0.008). Conclusion: The current study's findings revealed that unemployment, rural location, social habits, co morbidities, poor medication adherence, negative medication beliefs, and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions have a negative impact on epilepsy patients' medication adherence and treatment outcomes. Various studies support that the role of clinical pharmacist activities have a good effect on reducing seizure attacks in epileptic patients. This suggests that the clinical pharmacist’s active participation in epilepsy control, through educating patients about medication adherence, avoiding abrupt antiepileptic medication withdrawal, and reporting adverse drug reactions, is effective and safe when done in collaboration with other healthcare professionals as part of their treatment regimen.