Objective: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Atrial fibrillation has been associated with 20% of ischemic strokes that occur. Anticoagulant treatments have an important place in the prevention of strokes. This study was conducted to evaluate drug compliance and affecting factors in patients with atrial fibrillation. Materials and Methods: 149 consecutive patients who applied to the cardiology outpatient clinic of Istanbul Bahçelievler State Hospital between 30.09.2021 and 30.12.2021 and had been receiving new-generation oral anticoagulant therapy (NOAC) for at least 1 year with the diagnosis of permanent atrial fibrillation were included in the study. Research data were obtained with a structured questionnaire and Morisky Drug Adherence Scale. In the structured questionnaire, there are questions about age, gender, education level, employment status, drugs used, number and use, comorbid diseases, regular health check-ups, knowing the effect/side effects of the drugs used and the disease. Results: The mean age of the patients in the study was 69.87±9.21 years, 40.3% were male, 75.2% were married, and 33.6% were primary/secondary school graduates. The mean drug compliance score of the patients was found to be 5.69±1.28 (low level). It was determined that the mean drug compliance score of the patients who were married, had a high level of education, regularly went to health check-ups, and knew the effects and side effects of the drugs were significantly higher (p<0.05). A negative statistical relationship was found between age, number of concomitant diseases, number of drugs used daily, and CHADS2-Vasc score and Morisky Drug Adherence Index Score (r=-0.537; p=0.001; p<0.01, r=-0.723; p= 0.001; p<0.01, r=-0.769; p=0.001; p<0.01, r=-0.249; p=0.002; p<0.01). Conclusion: It was found that drug compliance was low in individuals receiving anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation. It has been determined that some sociodemographic and clinical-based factors affect drug compliance. These factors that affect drug compliance during treatment should be carefully evaluated.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation, New Generation Oral Anticoagulant, Drug compliance, Stroke.
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