Barriers and enablers to antiseizure medication adherence in children with epilepsy: a systematic review using the theoretical domains framework (TDF) - Takeaways - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

Identifying Factors Influencing Adherence to Antiseizure Medications in Pediatric Epilepsy: A Systematic Review Utilizing the Theoretical Domains Framework

  • By

  • Eric Amankona Abrefa Kyeremaa

  • Majed Alorabi

  • Charlotte Lawthom

  • Sion Scott

  • Caroline Smith

  • Andy Stewart

  • David Wright

  • May 6, 2026

Share

  • 1

    Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the primary treatment for controlling seizures in children with epilepsy, yet non-adherence remains a significant challenge.

  • 2

    The systematic review identified 83 factors influencing ASM adherence, including 51 barriers and 32 enablers related to communication, medication characteristics, and beliefs.

  • 3

    Key barriers to adherence include poor communication between prescribers and parents, unpleasant taste, large tablet size, and fear of addiction.

  • 4

    The theoretical domains framework (TDF) was utilized to categorize the behavioral mechanisms associated with ASM adherence in children with epilepsy.

  • 5

    Findings from this study aim to inform the development of theory-informed interventions to improve ASM adherence in pediatric epilepsy.

Original Source(s)

Barriers and enablers to antiseizure medication adherence in children with epilepsy: a systematic review using the theoretical domains framework (TDF)

  • by Eric Amankona Abrefa Kyeremaa, Majed Alorabi, Charlotte Lawthom, Sion Scott, Caroline Smith, Andy Stewart, David Wright

  • May 6, 2026

Related Content

International Consensus on the Evaluation and Management of : Results From a Modified Delphi Survey

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) are rare developmental brain lesions frequently associated with medically refractory epilepsy and complex neurobehavioral, cognitive and endocrine comorbidities.

  • by

  • August 14, 2026

  • 2 min
Pediatric neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis to lead NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

  • August 21, 2026

Enterovirus diversity may limit treatment advances

Research highlights expanding diagnostic capabilities but persistent gaps in antiviral therapy and vaccine coverage for pediatric enterovirus infections.