Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that adversely affects quality of life and imposes a substantial economic burden on patients, their families, and society. Adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy plays a crucial role in seizure control, reducing the risk of seizure recurrence, and improving quality of life. However, medication non-adherence remains common and is influenced by multiple factors. Objectives: To describe adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy and identify factors associated with medication adherence among patients with epilepsy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2026 among 310 outpatients with epilepsy at Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi. Medication adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Factors associated with medication adherence were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 31.26 ± 11.3 years, and 33.5% were diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy. Most participants had disease onset before the age of 18 years (55.8%), received polytherapy (83.9%), took their medication twice daily (71.0%), had good seizure control (60.0%), and demonstrated adequate knowledge of epilepsy (54.8%). The proportions of patients with high, moderate, and low medication adherence were 15.5%, 47.1%, and 37.4%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that patients with good seizure control were more likely to adhere to treatment than those with poor seizure control (AOR = 4.29; p < 0.05). In addition, patients with adequate knowledge of epilepsy were more likely to adhere to treatment than those with inadequate knowledge (AOR = 12.04; p < 0.05). Conclusions: A considerable proportion of patients exhibited low adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy. Adequate knowledge of epilepsy and good seizure control were independently associated with medication adherence.
