Sociodemographic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Adherence to Antiepileptic Medication among Patients in Kitui Central Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with adherence to epilepsy treatment. Methods: The study was conducted in Kitui Central Sub-County among adult patients with epilepsy. The study adopted a cross-sectional design, and a sample of 192 respondents was recruited. A two-stage sampling technique was used, whereby purposive sampling was used to identify Kitui Level 4 Hospital in Kitui Township and Wanzoa, Itoleka, Miambani, and Katulani health centres in Kyangwithia East, Kyangwithia West, Miambani, and Mulango wards, respectively. This was followed by random sampling of 39 patients with epilepsy attending the inpatient and outpatient departments in each health facility. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the prevalence of adherence to antiepileptic medication and the sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors. Chi-square tests were used to assess sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with the prevalence of adherence to epilepsy medication. Ethical clearance was sought from the Chuka University Research and Ethics Committee (IERC) and NACOSTI. Permission was sought from the Kitui County Commissioner, the Chief Officer in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the County Director of Education, and the Medical Officer of Health in Kitui Central Sub-County. Results: The prevalence of adherence to antiepileptic medication was 45.3%. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with adherence to antiepileptic medication were age (χ2 (5, N=190) =11.389, p= 0.044), residence (χ2 (3, N=190) =11.296, p= 0.010), level of education (χ2 (3, N=190) =11.789, p= 0.008), and monthly income (χ2 (4, N=190) =16.183, p= 0.003). Conclusion: Improving adherence to antiepileptic medication requires a multifaceted approach that extends beyond medication provision alone. Strengthening patient education, improving access to epilepsy care in underserved areas, ensuring the consistent availability of antiepileptic medicines, and reducing financial barriers to treatment may substantially improve adherence and long-term seizure control.