Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder in paediatrics. Most of the children with epilepsy do not properly adhere to medication regimen which leads to a lack of control over seizure and increased mortality and morbidity rate in these patients. Aim: This study was conducted with aim to evaluate the effect of parent training and telephone follow-up on adherence to the medication program of children with epilepsy. Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with participation of 72 parents of children with epilepsy who were referred to Besat Hospital of Hamadan in 2019-2021. The samples were assigned to two experimental and control groups by using random block permutation. During the first 24 hours of admission, the participants completed the researcher-made medication adherence questionnaire. A face-to-face training program and follow-up by phone were provided for the experimental group and no intervention for the control group. The questionnaire was also completed after two months. Data were analysed using SPSS software (version 22). p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After the intervention, the control group showed a non-significant increase of 47.10±15.07 in medication adherence (p>0.05). However, the intervention group experienced a significant increase of 88.83±4.68 in medication adherence (p<0.001). Implications for Practice: Parental education and telephone follow-up can be recommended as an independent action in nursing care services to improve medication adherence in children with epilepsy. © 2023 Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, All rights reserved.