Factors Associated with Poor Compliance of Antiepileptic Drugs in Children with Epilepsy: Poor Compliance of Antiepileptic Drugs in Children with Epilepsy

Lalit Kumar; Shazia Kulsoom; Wajid Hussain

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v7i1.3538

Authors

Lalit Kumar Department of Pediatrics Medicine, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan
Shazia Kulsoom Department of Pediatrics Neurology, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan
Wajid Hussain Department of Pediatrics Medicine, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i1.3538

Keywords:

Antiepileptic Drugs, Children, Compliance, Epilepsy, Illiterate

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Objectives: To determine the factors associated with poor compliance with antiepileptic drugs in children with epilepsy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Neurology of the National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2025 to June 2025. A total of 185 children aged 1–12 years with epilepsy, diagnosed ≥6 months earlier, were recruited by non-probability consecutive sampling. Compliance with antiepileptic drugs was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), classifying scores ≥6 as compliant. Factors behind non-compliance were noted. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26 with chi-square and binary logistic regression applied, taking p<0.05 as significant. Results: In a total of 185 children, the mean age was 7.4 ± 3.1 years, and 104 (56.2%) were males. Respondents were 117 (63.2%) mothers and 68 (36.8%) fathers, with a mean parental age of 34.8 ± 6.7 years. Residence was urban in 118 (63.8%), and rural in 67 (36.2%). Low socioeconomic status was noted in 92 (49.7%), and 47 (25.4%) parents were illiterate. Overall, 119 (64.3%) children were compliant and 66 (35.7%) non-compliant. Non-compliance was significantly associated with rural residence (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0–3.6), low socioeconomic status (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.7), and illiteracy (AOR 6.9, 95% CI 2.4–20.5). Conclusions: Non-compliance with AEDs in children with epilepsy in Karachi was strongly influenced by rural residence, low socioeconomic status, and low parental education.

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