Effect of Educational Training Program on Improving Drug Adherence among Adolescents with Epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic medical condition, which requires long term management. Adherence to antiepileptic drugs is crucial for preventing the risk of recurrent seizures.The consequence of non-adherence can severely compromises patient health, quality of life and survival.

Aims: was to evaluate the effect of educational training program on improving drug adherence among adolescents with epilepsy.

Subjects & methods: Research design: A quasi experimental design was used.

Subjects:  A purposive sample of 50 epileptic adolescents.

Setting: Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic at Zagazig University Hospital, Zagazig, Egypt.

Tools of data collection: three tools were used to collect the necessary data included; a structured interview questionnaire, Epilepsy knowledge questionnaire,Morisky 8-Item Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and number of seizure frequency.

Results: It was found that epileptic adolescents' adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy and knowledge about medication were significantly improved after implementation of the intervention (P=0.001).

Conclusion: the educational training intervention has a profound effect on improving adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy, knowledge about disease and medication with dramatically decline in seizure frequency.

Recommendations: drug adherence strategies must be discussed with epileptic adolescents and their families to help them comply with medication regimen.