Validation of Chinese version of the Morisky medication adherence scale in patients with epilepsy.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to validate a Chinese version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) in patients with epilepsy. The relationships between adherence, seizure frequency, and adverse effects were assessed using this method. METHODS: Data from patients diagnosed with epilepsy at the Department of Neurology of Huashan Hospital were collected between January and June 2013. To validate the MMAS-8, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and factor analysis were calculated. Relationships between adherence, seizure frequency, and adverse effects were assessed using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven patients were recruited. The MMAS-8 had moderate internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.556) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.729). The MMAS-8 adherence rate was 79.2%. MMAS-8 adherence was negatively correlated with seizure frequency and adverse effects (r = -0.708, p<0.001; r = -0.484, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The MMAS-8 scale can be used as a tool to assess medication adherence in Chinese patients with epilepsy. Better seizure control and lower rates of adverse effects were significantly correlated with higher adherence scores.