Knowledge and practicing pattern of patients following oral anticoagulant therapy in a tertiary health-care center

Abstract

Background: Oral anticoagulant therapy is frequently used for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart diseases. Oral anticoagulants need to be constantly managed when used long term and outside of a hospital setting since they have a restricted therapeutic index. Oral anticoagulants have been associated with a number of issues, including bleeding. Patients’ health can be enhanced by educating patients about their oral anticoagulant therapy which can enhance long-term adherence to the therapy. Aims and Objectives: The objective was to evaluate how well oral anticoagulant therapy users comprehended the drug, in addition to providing the patients with the appropriate education. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients on oral anticoagulant therapy in a tertiary care hospital. A standardized questionnaire was circulated to 200 patients and institutional ethical approval was taken before the study. Data were evaluated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square tests were used for data analysis. For significance P ≤ 0.05 was considered. Results: The majority (36.5%) were from 61 to 70 years of age group with a high percentage (59.5%) of male gender. Most (46%) of the patients were from the middle class with graduation (49%), and mostly receiving >1 year (55.5%) of anticoagulant therapy as treatment. The predominant age group (71–80 years) has shown good knowledge and practice pattern significantly, (P = 0.001), and the predominant duration of anticoagulant therapy (>1 year) showed very good knowledge and practice pattern significantly, (P = 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, patients on oral anticoagulant therapy had limited knowledge of a good practicing pattern. More effective strategies focusing on patient knowledge and practicing patterns need to be implemented to optimize oral anticoagulant medication, improve patient outcomes, and reduce associated side effects.