Association between satisfaction with and adherence to warfarin therapy on the control of international normalized ratio: A hospital-based study in Saudi Arabia

Background

High satisfaction with, and adherence to, warfarin therapy are linked to better international normalized ratio (INR) control and good therapeutic outcomes.

Objective

This study was conducted to identify the association between satisfaction with, and adherence to, warfarin therapy and the control of the INR within the target therapeutic range.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to August 31, 2016, at the Anticoagulation Clinic in the Cardiology Center at King Fahad Hospital, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. All adult patients included in the study were 18-years-old or older and were on warfarin therapy for 6?months or more. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 298 patients were included. Of them, 194 patients (65.1%) were males and 152 (51.0%) were classified as satisfied with their warfarin therapy. Secondary educational level and above (P?=?.001) and being non-Saudi (P?=?.026) were identified as determinants of a high level of satisfaction. Ninety-five (31.8%) participants were classified as adherent to the therapy, and satisfaction with treatment was the only predictor of adherence (P?=?.009). One hundred thirty-six patients (45.6%) achieved their target INR range. Satisfaction (P?=?.038) and adherence (P?=?.023) were significantly associated with better INR control.

Conclusion

Substantial efforts are needed to improve patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment through different strategies in order to achieve the target therapeutic goal for warfarin treatment.