Factors Affecting Adherence to Oral Anticoagulants Among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac arrhythmia with a high risk of thromboembolic strokes and death, necessitating thromboembolic prophylaxis for most patients. Adherence to anticoagulant therapy is crucial for therapeutic effects but is challenging due to various factors. Aim: The present study aimed to assess adherence to oral anticoagulants and to identify factors affecting adherence among patients with atrial fibrillation. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was used. Setting: the study was conducted at the outpatient and cardiac care unit at Beni Suef University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 92 adult patients was included in the study. Tools: Three tools were used to collect data. Tool I. Structured Interview Questionnaire: included three parts. Part I: Patient’s Socio-demographic characteristics, Part II: Patient’s medical history, Part III: Patient’s Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire. Tool II. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Tool III. Factors Affecting AF patients' adherence to medications questionnaire. Results: The study revealed that 81.5% of the patients had an unsatisfactory total knowledge, and 76.1% had a low adherence level to oral anticoagulants. Additionally, regression analysis highlighted the impact of age, comorbidities, medication cost, and duration of therapy on adherence levels. Conclusion: Low adherence to OAC therapy is prevalent among the studied patients and is influenced by a combination of healthcare system inefficiencies, therapy-related concerns, financial constraints, and inadequate patient knowledge. Recommendations: Conduct studies on this group of patients to monitor and explore the consequences of poor OAC adherence. Additionally, implementing health teaching and adherence-monitoring strategies are recommended for better adherence.