Knowledge and Adherence to Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia characterized by abnormal and chaotic
electrical pulse generation observed in the upper heart chambers. This condition is the most
common heart rhythm disorder, with prevalence rates of 2.3‐3.4% in the general population. Atrial
fibrillation often leads to the development of blood clots, heart failure, other cardiovascular
complications, hospitalizations, mortality, and overall increased healthcare expenditures.Objective:
To assess patients’ knowledge and adherence levels to oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with
atrial fibrillation. Subjects and Methods: Setting: This study was conducted at outpatient cardiac
clinics at Elmery hospital in Alexandria University. Subject: The study included a purposive sample
composed of 55 patients with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulant therapy. Data were collected
using the following tools: -Tool I: Patient’s interviewing questionnaire. Tool-II Morisky Medication
Adherence Scale (MMAS).Results: 58.2% of the studied patients age were≥50years. 58.2% were
males and 85.5 of them were married. 61.8% had were illiterate and primary education, 72.7% were
an employee and 65.5% live in rural areas. 65.5% of the studied patients mentioned that they had
insufficient income. 63.6% of the studied patients had unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding
OACs. 50.9% of the studied patients had high level of adherence, 29.1% of the studied patients had
medium level of adherence while 20% of the studied patients had low level of adherence regarding
oral anticoagulant therapy. There was statistical significance relation between patients' total level of
knowledge and their age, education level and treatment regimen. There was statistical significance
relation between patients' total adherence level and their age, education level, treatment regimen,
monthly income and residence. There was a positive relation between patients' total level of
knowledge and their total adherence level. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current study,
it can be concluded that, more than three fifth of the studied patients had unsatisfactory total
knowledge score about OAC, and more than half of them had good adherence levels (63.6%, and
50.9% respectively). Results highlighted positive significant relations between patients' adherence
to OAC and their level of knowledge.