Table 2 Health related factors (clinical and treatment profiles) among study participants

Main seizure type

Focal seizure

30

17.6

Generalized seizure

104

61.2

Unclassified seizures

36

21.2

Duration since diagnosis (in years)

≤ 2

58

34.2

> 2

112

65.8

Duration on treatment (in months)

6–12

34

20.0

13–24

30

17.6

> 24

106

62.4

Family history of

Yes

10

5.9

seizure/epilepsy

No

155

91.2

I am not sure

5

2.9

Mode of therapy used

Mono-therapy

108

63.5

Dual therapy

61

35.9

Triple therapy

1

0.6

ASMs prescribed

Phenobarbitone only

24

14.1

Phenytoin only

82

48.2

Valproate only

2

1.2

Phenytoin and Phenobarbitone

52

30.6

Phenytoin and Valproate

4

2.4

Phenobarbitone and carbamazepine

5

2.9

Phenobarbitone, phenytoin and Valproate

1

0.6

Stopped/ missed ASMs doses

Yes

44

25.9

No

126

74.1

Main reasons for stopping or for not taking the tablets regularly (n = 44)

Forgetfulness

31

70.5

Fear of side effects

13

29.5

Feeling better

7

15.9

Run out of drug/Did not get adequate tablets from the hospital

16

36.4

Child refuses to take drugs

9

20.5

Financial constraints

9

20.5

Others^a

6

13.6

Adverse effects to ASMs

Yes

46

27.1

No

118

69.4

I do not know

6

3.5

Types of ASMs adverse effects (n = 46)

Behavioral abnormality

9

19.6

Gum hyperplasia/swelling

10

21.7

Skin rash

2

4.3

Drowsiness

24

52.2

Fatigue

11

23.9

Decreased concentration

6

13.0

Constipation

2

4.3

Others^b

2

4.3

Does the child have other additional diagnosis?

Yes

9

5.3

No

161

94.7

Other comorbid conditions (n = 9)

Cerebral palsy

6

66.7

Developmental delay

1

11.1

Microcephaly

1

11.1

T1DM^c

1

11.1

Use of other ancillary medication(s)

Yes

1

0.6

No

169

99.4

Use of herbal/traditional medicine as additionally

Yes

9

5.3

No

161

94.7

Seizure frequencies in the last 3 months (Seizure control status)

No seizure (Controlled seizure)

92

54.1

≥ 1 episode (Un-controlled seizure)

78

45.9