COMPLIANCE TO ANTIEPILEPTICS AMONG CHILDREN WITH EPILEPSY

The aim of the study was to evaluate the barriers to access to treatment and compliance to medication among children with epilepsy and to explore the influencing factors. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study; data were collected from 100 children aged 6-14 years attending Amrita Hospital, Kochi, who had been on antiepileptic medications for a minimum of six months. Data collection tools included a structured questionnaire for caregivers covering demographic details, adherence levels, and influencing factors, supplemented by medical record reviews. According to the brief adherence rating scale, only 67% of the population showed 100% adherence. These findings suggest that a considerable proportion of children are not consistently following their medication schedules. Barriers to treatment suggest more diverse experiences among respondents regarding obstacles in treatment access or compliance. Analysis shows that education and socio-economic status play an important role in shaping knowledge and expectations about disease treatment. Results also suggest that better understanding and expectations around disease treatment may be associated with fewer seizure episodes in children. Conclusion: Adherence to antiepileptic medications among children with epilepsy was found to be suboptimal, with only two-thirds showing complete compliance. Parental education and socioeconomic status influenced treatment knowledge but did not guarantee consistent adherence. Targeted interventions are needed to address barriers and improve treatment outcomes.