PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY ON PRESCRIPTION PATTERN MONITORING ALONG WITH MEDICATION ADHERENCE OF ANTIEPILEPTIC AGENTS

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurologic disorder that necessitates long-term medication compliance to avoid seizure recurrence, decrease hospitalizations, and enhance quality of life. Lack of adherence markedly raises the risk for complications and death. We conducted this prospective cohort study to evaluate prescription practices and medication compliance to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations and determine factors related to adherence. The research was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. 152 patients were enrolled using Rao software sample size calculation with 5% margin of error and 95% confidence interval. Data collection was done using socio-demographic questionnaire, prescription audits, and 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4). Levetiracetam (19.08%) was the most widely prescribed AED, followed by Clobazam (13.82%) and Valproic Acid (9.87%). Polytherapy was common, with Levetiracetam + Valproic Acid + Lamotrigine being the most commonly utilized combination in geriatric patients. Adherence to medications improved remarkably from 58.6% at baseline to 83.6% following counseling intervention (p < 0.0001). Greater adherence was noted in geriatric patients (88.2%) in comparison with pediatric (78.9%) and adult (81.6%) groups. Education level and counseling were strong adherence promoters. The results emphasize the necessity of age-adjusted prescription monitoring and individual counseling to enhance compliance. Polytherapy optimized and intensive interventions could result in improved seizure control and quality of life among epilepsy patients.