Abstract

Background: Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy is highly effective for stroke and systemic embolism prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Adequate knowledge and a positive attitude are essential to ensure both efficacy and safety with OAC therapy. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the levels of knowledge and attitudes, as well as their associated factors, among outpatients with atrial fibrillation receiving OAC therapy at Hue Central Hospital. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 385 patients with atrial fibrillation taking oral anticoagulants in Department of Outpatient Clinic – Diagnostic Imaging – Cardiovascular Functional Exploration, Hue Central Hospital, from April 2024 to March 2025. Knowledge was evaluated using the Anticoagulation Knowledge Tool (AKT), developed and validated by Obamiro. The AKT was translated and culturally adapted into Vietnamese. Attitudes toward OAC were assessed using a questionnaire developed by Li. 192 TẠP CHÍ Y DƯỢC HUẾ - HUE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY ISSN 3030-4318; eISSN: 3030-4326 Results: Among 385 patients, those with good knowledge accounted for 25.7% with a mean AKT score of 46.9% (18.7). The proportion of patients with positive attitudes toward OAC was 30.6%. Target INR was statistically significantly associated with the knowledge and attitudes of patients using vitamin K antagonists (VKA). An education level above high school and previous counseling were significantly associated with better knowledge. Meanwhile, a duration of OAC use over 2 years, previous counseling and good knowledge was statistically significantly associated with patient attitudes. Conclusion: The proportion of patients with good anticoagulation knowledge was low. Suboptimal knowledge was particularly noted regarding drug-drug interactions, side effects, INR threshold, vitamins have a significant influence on anticoagulant therapy.