Effect of teaching strategies on adherence to antiepileptic drugs and recurrence of seizures among epileptic patients

Abstract

Background and objective: Adherence to medications is the backbone to effectiveness of a treatment. Adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is essential to prevent the risk of seizures recurrence. The aims were to study the effect of teaching strategies on adherence to antiepileptic drugs, recurrence of seizures, and identify factors affecting the adherence level among epileptic patients.

Methods: Research design: Quasi-experimental design. Setting: Neurology Department at Neurological and Psychiatric Assiut University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of sixty male and female adult patients diagnosed with epilepsy. Tools: Tool I-Patient assessment sheet. Tool II-Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Tool III-Liverpool Seizure Severity Scale.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between pre and post applying of teaching strategies as regard drug adherence and recurrence of seizures among epileptic patients (p < .001). Also, forgetfulness, side effects of medications, and absence of family or friend were the main factors of non- adherence to AEDs.

Conclusions and recommendations: Teaching strategies had statistical significant effects on adherence to antiepileptic drugs and on reducing recurrence of seizures among epileptic patients. Simple educational pamphlet for epileptic patients and their family members to improve adherence to AEDs should be available in Neurology Department and Outpatient Neurology Clinics.