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Patients' perspectives on antiepileptic medication: relationships between beliefs about medicines and adherence among patients with epilepsy in UK primary care

  • S. C.E. Chapman
    ,
  • R. Horne
    ,
  • A. Chater
    ,
  • D. Hukins
    ,
  • W. H. Smithson
  • University College London
    ,
  • York St John University
    ,
  • University of Sheffield
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can result in suboptimal outcomes for patients.AIM:This study aimed to assess the utility of a theory-based approach to understanding patient perspectives on AEDs and adherence.METHOD:Patients with epilepsy, identified by a GP case note review, were mailed validated questionnaires assessing their perceptions of AEDs and their adherence to them. RESULTS: Most (84.9%) of the 398 AED-treated respondents accepted the necessity of AEDs, but over half expressed doubts, with 55% disagreeing or uncertain about the statement 'I would prefer to take epilepsy medication than risk a seizure'. Over a third (36.4%) expressed strong concerns about the potential negative effects of AEDs. We used self-report and medication possession ratio to classify 36.4% of patients as nonadherent. Nonadherence was related to beliefs about medicines and implicit attitudes toward AEDs (p<0.05). Adherence-related attitudes toward AEDs were correlated with general beliefs about pharmaceuticals (BMQ General: General Harm, General Overuse, and General Benefit scales) and perceptions of personal sensitivity to medicines (PSM scale). CONCLUSION: We identified salient, adherence-related beliefs about AEDs. Patient-centered interventions to support medicine optimization for people with epilepsy should take account of these beliefs.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 312-320 (9 pages)

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Epilepsy and Behavior (Volume 31)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 14/02/2014

Publication status

Published - 14/02/2014

ISSN

1525-5050

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/622307
  • Scopus: 84893014920
  • PubMed: 24290250

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