Validation of Chinese version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale in patients with epilepsy

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.