Caregivers' perceptions of Epilepsy and how they influence Paediatric patients' adherence to medication in Mulago Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy, a common social disorder with a high incidence rate, is globally estimated about 2.4 million people diagnosed yearly. Despite its high incidence rate, epileptic perceptions continue to negatively impact the management of the illness with reports of poor medication adherence hence leading to an increased rate of mortality and hospital admissions. Objectives: The overall objective of this study, was to understand caregivers perceptions about epilepsy and how they influence paediatric patients’ adherence to medication. Purpose: It contributed to providing knowledge on how the perceptions caregivers have about epilepsy and how their perceptions affect paediatric patients’ adherence to medication, it showed the importance of patients' adherence to medication and also help those in the field of healthcare to come up with interventions on how to improve the state of epileptic patients. Methods: It employed a qualitative methodology, with a sample size of 40 respondents; the sampling method used was purposive sampling. This was a case study design that included an in-depth analysis of the situation of epileptic caregivers. Results: Key findings of the study showed that caregivers perceived epilepsy as an illness; they described it based on their patient's experiences, some described it as a disease where they gave reports on what their patients' doctors had explained to them about epilepsy. Other findings included epilepsy was seen as an aspect of culture, in this case, epilepsy linked with the beliefs, experience, religion, attitudes, and knowledge of the caregivers. Results found that caregivers’ perceptions of epilepsy do influence paediatric patients’ adherence to medication in that the caregivers perceived epilepsy treatment as having side effects and the scarcity of prescribed drugs in hospitals and yet they perceive them to be very expensive outside of the hospital. The likely factors that influence epileptic patients’ adherence to medication included a slower rate of recovery of their patients. Conclusion: The study confirmed that epileptic paediatric patients' adherence to medication is greatly affected by the caregivers' perceptions. The caregivers compromised paediatric patients' uptake of their medication, this was so because of what they have heard about epilepsy which has influenced the way they perceive it. More extensive research ought to be done on how epilepsy knowledge can be dispersed within society.