Adherence to antiepileptic drugs and beliefs about medication among predominantly ethnic minority patients with epilepsy

Abstract: The current study examined beliefs about medication and their association with adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) among predominantly ethnic minority, low-income patients with epilepsy (PWE). Seventy-two PWE completed standardized questionnaires. The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire was used to assess perceptions about AEDs and medications in general. Adherence was measured with the Morisky 4-item scale and via participant self-rating. On the Morisky scale, 63% of patients endorsed at least one item for nonadherence; forgetfulness was most often endorsed (50%). There was a significant relationship between seizure frequency and adherence (Morisky: r =0.33, P =0.006; self-rating: r =−0.35, P =0.003). Patients with lower self-rated adherence expressed greater concerns about AEDs (r =−0.25, P =0.036) and beliefs that medications, in general, may be intrinsically harmful (r =−0.26, P =0.032) and minimally beneficial (r =0.36; P <0.002), as compared with more adherent patients. These findings inform future educational interventions in this population of PWE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]