The correlation between self-management behaviors and drug adherence among people with epilepsy in Iran Epilepsy Association

Epileptic patients'' self-management behaviors are essential for optimal disease management. Although Self-management behaviors had positive effects on drug adherence of patients with chronic illnesses، its effect on epileptic patients'' is not yet clear. Therefore، this study was conducted to find the effects of self-management behaviors on drug adherence of epileptic patients.

In this analytic-descriptive study، considering inclusion criteria، 120 epileptic members of Iran Epilepsy Association were selected by purposive sampling method. Data gathering devices were demographic questionnaire، epilepsy self management behavior questionnaire and Morisky’s modified drug adherence questionnaire.

The results of study showed a statistically significant relationship (p <0. 05) between the mean scores of self-management behaviors and its all dimensions (information، safety، medicine، lifestyle and seizures management) and drug adherence. Correlation coefficient between scores of self-management behaviors and drug adherence was r =-0/50 (p <0. 001).

Findings of the study suggest a correlation between self-management behaviors and drug adherence in epileptic patients; therefore emphasizing self-management behaviors in epileptic ones may increase their drug adherence and consequently reduce the number of epileptic seizures، something that may improve their quality of life.