Adherence to antiepileptic treatment and its predictors among adolescents with epilepsy at Ndera neuropsychiatric Hospital, Rwanda.

Abstract

Background : Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affect people of all ages especially children. It is with particular relevance in developing countries where an estimate of 85% of the World population with epilepsy live. The control seizures and prevention ofepilepsy burden require proper adherence to the prescribed medications and doses. This needs strong and regular information, education and communication provided to the patients with epilepsy. Objectives: The present study sought to (1)assess the level of knowledge of adolescent on epilepsy treatment, (2) determine the level of adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), (3)determine barriers to adherence tomedications among adolescents with epilepsy and (4)determine caregivers and adolescents beliefsabout medication efficacy among adolescents with epilepsy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conductedat NDERA Neuropyschiatric Hospital over a period of two monthsfrom December 2018 through January 2019. Participants were epileptic patients aged 12 to 18 years. Assessment of adherence to antiepileptic drugs was done by self report using the Adolescent Epilepsy Medication Questionnaire (PEMSQ). The main outcome variable was medication adherence. The data were analsysed using SPSS version 21. The Chi-square test was computed to assess the association between adherence to AEDs and its predictors. Results: A total of 110 adolescents with epilepsy were enrolled. Adherence to antiepileptic treatment was 91%. Knowledge of adolescent on epilepsy medication beliefs about medication efficacy, andbarriers to medication adherence show a strong association with adherence to AEDs (p-value <0.001). Conclusion and recommandation: A good knowlege about epilepsy and anti-epileptic drugs is associated with a good adherence to treatment among adolescents with epilepsy at Ndera hospital. Continuous education of patients and caregivers about AEDs to build the capacity of epilepsy self-management in the community is therefore recommended.