A qualitative study of the barriers and enablers to antiseizure medication adherence in children with epilepsy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to explore the barriers and enablers to antiseizure medication (ASM) adherence in children with epilepsy and their carers to inform the development of a tailored intervention.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted between November 2025 and February 2026 using semi-structured interviews among children with epilepsy aged 5 to 12 years and their carers. Participants were recruited using purposive recruitment sampling through epilepsy charities. Interviews were conducted on Microsoft Teams lasting 35 to 84 min. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis in NVivo 14, with attention to both child and carer perspectives.

RESULTS

Ten interviews were conducted with seventeen participants; three with carers only and seven with children and their carers. Four themes were generated from the analysis which were; medicine cognition and emotional experience, organisation and practical management of medicine, medication formulation and administration practice and the role of social and professional support. While children primarily voiced concerns about medication formulation, particularly taste, parents focused more on side effects and the importance of treatment routines. Some parents of children with learning disability additionally expressed concerns about the colour of their medication.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the potential determinants to antiseizure medication adherence in children with epilepsy and their carers/parents. Factors influencing adherence included child, parent and system level influences. We recommend that Healthcare professionals (HCPs) should proactively identify and address formulation-related challenges to support adherence and prioritise clear communication about treatment expectations.