Therapy Adherence Among Patients with Epilepsy Attending Bugando Medical Centre.
- Mwanza, Tanzania | Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS-Bugando] | 2024.
"Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable interruptions of normal electrical activity resulting in abnormal brain function and seizures. It affects about 50 million people worldwide. Control of seizures entirely depends on adherence to anticonvulsants. The purpose of the study was to determine patients adherence to anticonvulsants, the affordability of anticonvulsants, and the side effects commonly associated with anticonvulsants.
Methodology: This was a hospital-based prospective cross-section descriptive study conducted among patients with epilepsy. The general medication Adherence scale was used to assess adherence. Respondents level of adherence was categorised as high, good, partial, low and poor adherence. Factors such as affordability and side effects of anticonvulsants were also accessed.
Results: A total of 70 participants were recruited in this study. 81.4% of participants had high adherence, 10% had good adherence and 8.6% had partial adherence. There was no participant with low or poor adherence. 41.4% of participants mostly stopped taking their medication due to side effects and 31.4% of participants always find it difficult to buy medicine because they are expensive.
Conclusion: This study has revealed high adherence to anticonvulsants among patients with epilepsy attending Bugando Medical Centre. Factors such as drug affordability and drug side effects have been seen to affect patient adherence. Thus, more epilepsy education should be given to patients and the public in general to overcome other factors affecting epilepsy."
Wurzburg Road 35, Premises, Post Code: 33102 | P. O. Box 1464 Mwanza, Tanzania | Phone: (255) 28-298-3384 | Fax: (255) 28-298-3386 | Email: vc@bugando.ac.tz | Website: www.bugando.ac.tz.