96-72: Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation Patient's Knowledge and Perceptions about Oral Anticoagulation Therapy: Results from an International Survey

Abstract

Background: Stroke knowledge and perception of stroke risk are likely to affect oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment preferences in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This international prospective study investigated the influence of gender on patient perceptions of AF, stroke knowledge, preferences for oral anticoagulation (OAC) treatment decisions, and attributes of OAC affecting treatment choice. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 937 AF patients receiving OAC [overall mean (SD) age 54.3(16.6) years; 37.1% female; mean(SD) CHA2 DS2 -VASc score 2.6(1.7)] recruited from 5 countries (USA, Canada, Germany, Japan, France). Results: Overall AF was perceived as a serious condition, with women significantly more likely to perceive AF as extremely serious than men (Table). Men were more likely to report never being concerned about stroke risk compared to women. No gender differences in stroke knowledge and self-reported adherence to OAC. Stroke prevention was the most important factor when choosing OAC for both men and women, followed by risk of major bleeding and other side effects. Dosing frequency was significantly less important than stroke prevention. Conclusion: Women perceived AF as more serious than men, with men more likely to report not being concerned about stroke risk. Both men and women valued stroke prevention as the most important factor when choosing OAC Table *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001 vs. men Table *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001 vs. men