Role for a video tool in educating youth with epilepsy about anticonvulsant and contraceptive drug interactions

Abstract

Purpose

Anti-seizure medications (ASM) can lower the efficacy of hormonal birth control (BC), while estrogen-containing BC can increase ASM metabolism, altering seizure frequency. Despite these adverse interactions, many youth with epilepsy demonstrate inadequate knowledge about this topic. Thus, there is a need to develop tools that empower youth with epilepsy to make more informed contraceptive decisions. This study assesses the use of a video-based educational tool to raise awareness of BC and ASM interactions in this population.

Methods

We created a video that gives an overview of possible interactions between certain BC methods and ASMs, mainly increased risk of pregnancy and change in seizure frequency. The video was shown to female patients aged 12 and older with epilepsy in a child neurology clinic and followed by a discussion with their treating neurologist. Fifteen patients completed two surveys that collected demographics, ASM regimen, BC history, and assessed exposure to and understanding of the subject matter before and after viewing the educational tool using 11-point Likert scales. We received seven responses from provider opinion surveys that were administered after the visit to assess the practicality of the video tool in teaching patients about their medication interactions. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and one-tailed paired t-tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Patients ranged from ages 16 to 24, with 46.7 % being in the 16 to 18 year-old range, 26.7 % in the 19 to 21 year-old range, and 26.7 % in the 22 to 24 year-old range. The median age was 19. 33 % of the patients reported having used BC, with 27 % reporting current interest in using BC. 33 % of patients were taking ASM that could reduce BC efficacy, and 27 % were on ASM with efficacy that can be reduced by BC. While 80 % of patients endorsed having previously discussed BC and ASM interactions with a doctor, patients rated their knowledge of the subject pre-video as moderately low with high interest in learning more about the topic. Patients’ understanding of how BC and ASM interactions can increase risk of pregnancy showed a significant increase post-video. Patients also indicated a high likelihood that they would think of the video when choosing a BC method and that they are more likely to start a discussion with their doctor about BC and ASM interactions because of the video. Treating neurologists showed high agreement that the video is useful in teaching their patients about BC and ASM interactions.

Conclusion

Youth with epilepsy deserve engaging resources that empower them to make informed decisions about BC. Despite most of our patients having had prior education about BC and ASM interactions, our results support the need for educational tools beyond patient-provider discussion and the efficacy of video as a tool to enhance understanding of this topic. The tool also showed potential to influence future patient decision making regarding BC and to empower patients to take an active role in discussing BC with their doctor. Our findings support a role for educational videos as an effective way to teach youth with epilepsy about reproductive health concerns and to promote active participation in decision making.