Assessment of adherence level of patients on anticoagulant therapy in a tertiary healthcare facility in Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anticoagulants are highly effective in preventing venous thromboembolism and remains the main stay of treatment. However, strict adherence to medication is essential for maximizing treatment.Objectives: the objectives of this study, were to determine the adherence rate and factors that may influence adherence to anticoagulant therapy among patients on anticoagulant at a tertiary healthcare facility in Uyo, Nigeria.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. Fifty-nine consented adult patients on anticoagulant therapy were recruited consecutively into the study. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on respondents sociodemographic characteristics, indications for anticoagulation and types of anticoagulant used. An 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to assess patient’s adherence to anticoagulation therapy.Results: The mean age of respondents was 55.4±13.5 years. Thirty-three (55.9%) were males while 26 (44.1%) were females. The most common indication for anticoagulant use was for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (78%). The direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) was the most frequently used anticoagulant (76.3%), and majority (44.1%) had treatment for 3 months. Overall, 49.1% of the respondents had unacceptably low level of adherence while 10% had high level adherence to anticoagulant use. The female gender and the duration of anticoagulant were significantly associated with the level of adherence.Conclusion: Adherence to anticoagulant use among respondents in this study was suboptimal. The female gender and the duration of anticoagulant were significantly associated with the level of adherence.