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Evaluation of Knowledge and the Factors Affecting Knowledge Among Patients on Oral Anticoagulation Therapy
Janet Prameela Dsouza1, Jyothi Chakrabarty1, Padmakumar Ramachandran2
1Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Introduction:
Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are recommended to prevent thrombotic events, particularly in atrial fibrillation and after prosthetic valve replacement. Given that the therapeutic range of oral anticoagulants is narrow, therapy can be challenging. Dosing is also affected by certain factors that may increase the risk of bleeding. Knowledge gaps in oral anticoagulation therapy are linked to reduced effectiveness and safety of treatment. However, limited data are available on this issue in the urban and rural settings of southern Karnataka, India. Hence, the present study aims to measure knowledge about oral anticoagulation therapy and investigate the factors affecting knowledge among these patients.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey design was used. Three hundred twenty patients who were receiving VKAs participated in this study. Data were collected using the anticoagulation knowledge questionnaire.
Results:
Most of the patients had poor knowledge about oral anticoagulation therapy. They had the highest level of knowledge about laboratory monitoring. Knowledge about diet and drug interactions and adverse drug reactions was significantly lower. Medication management knowledge was found to be moderate. There was a significant association between knowledge and age, education level, place of residence, prior informative sessions about therapy, and duration of use. Significantly, higher education levels, attending prior informative sessions, and longer treatment periods were linked to better knowledge. There was no association between occupation and knowledge.
Conclusion:
The results emphasize the need for targeted education on oral anticoagulation, with knowledge assessment as the first step to guide interventions that prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Insights
Most patients on Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have poor knowledge of oral anticoagulation, especially regarding diet, drug interactions, and side effects. Targeted education is crucial to improve treatment safety and effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Patient Education
- Public Health
Background:
- Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are crucial for preventing thrombotic events in conditions like atrial fibrillation.
- Managing VKAs is challenging due to their narrow therapeutic range and factors influencing bleeding risk.
- Knowledge deficits in oral anticoagulation therapy can compromise treatment effectiveness and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient knowledge regarding oral anticoagulation therapy.
- To identify factors influencing this knowledge in urban and rural populations of southern Karnataka, India.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
- 320 patients receiving VKAs participated.
- Data were collected using the anticoagulation knowledge questionnaire.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients demonstrated poor knowledge of oral anticoagulation, particularly concerning diet, drug interactions, and adverse drug reactions.
- Knowledge was highest regarding laboratory monitoring and moderate for medication management.
- Higher education, prior informative sessions, and longer treatment duration were associated with better knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Patient knowledge assessment is essential for developing targeted educational interventions.
- Improving patient understanding of oral anticoagulation can help prevent complications and enhance quality of life.
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