Pharmacological adherence to oral anticoagulant and factors that influence the international normalized ratio...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine
• Health Economics

Background:

• Anticoagulation therapy requires careful monitoring of blood clotting using the international normalized ratio (INR).
• Patient adherence and factors influencing anticoagulation stability are crucial for effective treatment outcomes.
• Understanding these factors can optimize therapeutic management and improve patient compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between international normalized ratio (INR) stability and various patient-related factors.
• To identify key determinants of anticoagulation stability and treatment adherence.
• To explore the impact of anticoagulation duration and medication cost on INR stability.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 156 patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy.
• Data collected on INR levels, treatment adherence, age, education, socioeconomic status, drug interactions, comorbidities, vitamin K intake, anticoagulation duration, and drug cost.
• Statistical analysis to correlate INR stability with identified factors.

Main Results:

• Most patients (over 90%) exhibited high or medium adherence to anticoagulation treatment.
• INR stability was positively associated with shorter anticoagulation times and lower drug costs.
• Patients with shorter anticoagulation durations and lower medication expenses demonstrated greater INR stability and adherence.

Conclusions:

• Anticoagulation time and drug cost are significant factors associated with anticoagulation stability.
• High and medium adherence levels are prevalent among patients on anticoagulation therapy.
• Optimizing treatment duration and considering drug affordability may enhance INR stability and patient adherence.