Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Antiepileptic Medications Among Patients at University College Hospital, Ibadan

Non-adherence to antiepileptic medications is a major cause of uncontrolled seizures, treatment resistance, and preventable morbidity among epilepsy patients in Nigeria. This study identifies factors associated with non-adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy among patients attending the neurology and neuropsychiatry outpatient clinics at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional design will recruit 220 adult patients through systematic sampling from consecutive clinic attendees over ten weeks. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) will assess adherence levels, while a structured questionnaire will capture medication knowledge, side effect experiences, drug cost, caregiver support, and health beliefs. Logistic regression will identify independent predictors of non-adherence. Evidence from tertiary hospitals in South West Nigeria suggests that medication cost, side effects, and belief in traditional remedies are primary drivers of non-adherence in epilepsy care. Findings will support the development of patient education programs, pharmacist-led counseling services, and policy advocacy for subsidized antiepileptic drug access at UCH and comparable tertiary facilities. Keywords: antiepileptic drugs, medication adherence, epilepsy, University College Hospital, Ibadan