title: The relationship between living arrangement and adherence to antiepileptic medications among individuals with developmental disabilities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Non-adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in the general population but little is known about adherence in individuals with intellectual disability (ID).
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the records of a closed pharmacy billing system over a 30 month period, we examined the medication non-adherence rates for AEDs among 793 individuals with ID. We calculated the medication possession ratio (number of days each participant was in possession of an AED), and defined non-adherence as 25% or more of the exposure days without the possession of an AED. All participants studied had filled prescriptions for AEDs spanning at least 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Controlling for age and gender, we found non-adherence rates varied by living arrangement. Compared with those living in group homes, individuals with ID living in family homes or in semi-independent settings were significantly less adherent to AEDs (P < 0.0003).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Non-adherence to AEDs is a potential medical risk for individuals with ID that is significantly impacted by the type of community living arrangement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Hom
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Touchette
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tournay
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Plon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Himber
authors.forename: I T
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Lott
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants
keywords: adherence; antiepileptic drugs; group homes; intellectual disability; living arrangement; medication possession ratio