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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · International Journal of Epilepsy 2025; 11(01): 013-022
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1800857
Original Article

Assessing Epilepsy Treatment Adherence and Factors Contributing to Adherence among People with Epilepsy in Paung Township

San Oo
1   Department of Neurology, Yangon General Hospital, University of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar
,
Zarni Myint Shwe
1   Department of Neurology, Yangon General Hospital, University of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar
,
Htet Htet Lin
1   Department of Neurology, Yangon General Hospital, University of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar
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Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective This study evaluates medication adherence among epilepsy patients at public health facilities in Paung Township, Mon State, Myanmar, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore influencing factors.

Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study in Paung Township involved 72 epilepsy patients aged 12 years and older, receiving antiseizure medications for at least 6 months. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), while qualitative insights were obtained from three focus group discussions involving patients and family members.

Results The study involved 72 people with epilepsy (PWE) in Paung Township, Myanmar, examining baseline characteristics, treatment services, perceptions, and adherence. The majority were young adults, and 87.5% lived in rural areas. Phenobarbital was the primary medication, and 94.4% received free medications. Most reported >50% seizure reduction and 75% attended follow-ups regularly. Overall, 59.7% demonstrated high adherence. Negative attitudes toward missing medication were prevalent among 90.3% of patients, and this was significantly associated with high adherence (p < 0.05). Family support (97.2%) and the convenience of accessing health facilities for medication were widely reported but did not show a significant association with the level of medication adherence. The qualitative findings affirmed satisfaction with health care services, minimal transportation challenges, reduced seizures, manageable side effects, and strong family support. Regular follow-ups significantly predicted adherence.

Conclusion Medication adherence among epilepsy patients in Paung Township was assessed using the MMAS-8, revealing high adherence in nearly 60% of participants. Regular follow-up appointments were significantly correlated with adherence, while negative attitudes toward missed doses and side effects influenced adherence. Patients expressed satisfaction with free medication services, convenience, and reduced seizure frequency.

Keywords

epilepsy - seizures - medication adherence - Morisky Medication Adherence Scale

Note

The MMAS-8 score, content, name, and trademarks are protected by the U.S. copyright and trademark laws. Permission for the use of the scale and its coding is required. A license agreement is available from MMAR, LLC., Donald E. Morisky, ScD, ScM, MSPH, 294 Lindura Ct., United States; dmorisky@gmail.com.




Publication History

Article published online:
20 December 2024

© 2024. Indian Epilepsy Society. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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