Medication Beliefs and Adherence to Antiseizure Medications
Table 2
Clinical variables related to epilepsy among participants assessed for medication beliefs and adherence to antiseizure medications.
Parameter
Total (N = 123)
Adh (N = 96)
N-Adh (N = 27)
value
Comparison of epilepsy parameters by using Z-test:
Partial seizures
56.5%
50.0%
80.0%
ES = 0.52, = 0.003
Mixed seizures
13.1%
16.6%
0.0%
ES = 0.42, = 0.01
No group difference at 5.0% in generalized seizures, etiological types, and mean seizure frequency
Comparison of treatment parameters by using Z-test:
Valproic acid
43.5%
50.0%
20.0%
ES = 0.50, = 0.003
Carbamazepine
43.5%
33.3%
80.0%
ES = 0.84, = 0.001
Phenytoin
13.0%
16.6%
0.0%
ES = 0.42, = 0.01
Othersa
34.8%
34.8%
0.0%
ES = 0.70, = 0.0002
No significant group difference at 5.0% in polytherapy and treatment with phenobarbital
Comparison of side-effect parameters by using Z-test:
Restlessness
13.0%
13.0%
0.0%
ES = 0.40, = 0.02
Dizziness
17.4%
5.5%
60.0%
ES = 1.5, = 0.001
Headache
26.1%
22.2%
40.0%
ES = 0.32, = 0.03
Fatigue
43.5%
38.8%
60.0%
ES = 0.34, = 0.02
No significant group difference at 5.0% in parameters of weight gain, nervousness, hyperactivity, hand tremors, poor attention, drowsiness, weight loss, appetite, upset stomach, double or blurred vision, and troubles with memory, sleep, mood, skin, and mouth and gums
