Aura recognition, self-management practices, and medication adherence determinants in epileptic patients: A cross-sectional study

Background: Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, presents a significant global health challenge affecting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and regions. Raising awareness about recognizing aura, identification of factors affecting drug compliance, and empowering them to take timely action is crucial for effective self-management. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess knowledge on recognition of aura, self-management practices, and to identify the factors influencing medication compliance among epilepsy patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 patients using a purposive sampling technique in the Neurology Outpatient Department of Aster Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Kerala, India, from March 27, 2023, to April 30, 2023. The tool is composed of a sociodemographic pro forma, clinical pro forma, rating scale on recognition of aura, epilepsy self-management scale (ESMS), and checklist on factors influencing medication compliance. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 version. Results: The study revealed that patients consistently recognized aura symptoms such as head/eye deviation, ictal headache, stiffening, jamais vu/déjà vu, a sense of movement in the pulse, fear, panic/anxiety, and dissociation. Patients demonstrated a mean total ESMS score of 91.5 ± 7.46, indicating higher knowledge levels in information, safety, and seizure management, but lower scores in medication and lifestyle management. A total of 85.3% of patients adhered to their medication regularly, while 14.7% reported noncompliance due to reasons such as forgetfulness, fear of side effects, concerns about addiction, or medication costs. Conclusion: Effective recognition of aura symptoms, diligent self-management practices, and addressing factors influencing drug compliance are critical components in enhancing epilepsy management and patient outcomes.