FACTORS RELATED TO ADHERENCE TO MEDICATION REGIMENS IN PEDIATRIC SEIZURE PATIENTS

Factors related to medication adherence were studied in 35 pediatric seizure patients at a public hospital serving primarily low-income minority patients. Adherence ratings by pediatric neurologists were based primarily on three blood assays drawn at monthly intervals and patients were rated as adherent on 1, 2, or 3 visits. Parent and child satisfaction with medical care was associated with greater adherence. Parental worry about the child's health was positively correlated with the number of behavioral restrictions placed on the child, and both variables were negatively related to adherence. The authors hypothesize that anxiety-based denial and perceived threats to patient autonomy may interfere with medication adherence. Implications for the development of intervention strategies for improving adherence among pediatric seizure patients are discussed. © 1990 Plenum Publishing Corporation.