A-167 The Role of Epilepsy Knowledge and Treatment Beliefs in Medication Self-Management Among Diverse People with Epilepsy

Abstract Objective: Research into medication adherence remains limited among ethnically diverse people with epilepsy (PWE). We characterized self-reported reasons for suboptimal in this population. Next, we sought to replicate a previously established link between negative beliefs and worse adherence. Finally, explored whether knowledge moderates the beliefs-adherence relationship. Method: Sixty-three PWE (Age=42.1±13.2; Education=12.6±2.4 years; 60% female; 79% Black; 19% Hispanic/Latinx; 5% Mixed Race) completed Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), Epilepsy Knowledge Profile (EKP), Self-Management Scale’s (ESMS) Medication Management subscale nonadherent practices endorsed “sometimes, most of time, or always” considered “suboptimal.” Results: The four prevalent were by 20-34% participants included not taking anti-seizure medications same time every day, forgetting doses, requesting refills before running out, spreading out doses when out. A considerable number agreed/strongly agreed that overused prescribers (45.2%), their concerned them (24.2%) harmful (19.4%). was fair (EKP=70.4%±9.5% correct). Harm overuse negatively correlated (r’s=-0.27 -0.32 p’s=.035 .013, respectively). unrelated did moderate Harm/overuse combined (α=0.78) significant relationship (r=-0.34, p=.008) unchanged after controlling (pr=-0.31, p=.017). Conclusions: In these PWE, are behaviorally-mediated may be modifiable. However, interventions addressing necessary effect change over knowledge-based psychoeducation alone.