io

of e dy scales to assess various self-management behaviors and collected clinical data. Our sample consisted of 50 patients (23 women). The mean overall Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (ESMS) question score was 3.72 ± 0.41. The mean question scores on the ESMS subscales Medication Management, Information Management, Safety Management, Seizure Management, and Lifestyle Management were 4.4, 2.7, 3.9, l proble eases. Though many different definitions of medication adherence are available, the term can be sufficiently defined as ‘‘the taking of prescribed medication at the correct times, in the correct dosage, remembering to take doses, and continuing to take the medication for the duration prescribed ” [2]. Over many years, a body of evi-dence has accumulated indicating that lack of treatment adherence in patients with chronic diseases is a major problem [3]. Lack of herent patients with epilepsy had a threefold increased risk of mortality compared with adherent patients [8]. Therefore, assess-ing medication adherence and counseling patients about it are important components of daily clinical practice [9]. However, comprehensive treatment of epilepsy involves many facets beyond medication; this is defined by DiIorio et al. as self-management [10]. Kobau and DiIorio describe behavioral and psy-chosocial adjustments that patients with epilepsy make to control seizures and attain a higher quality of life [11]. Behavioral adjust-ments include medication adherence, adequate sleep, good nutri-tion, and stress reduction. Coping with loss of independence an