Knowledge gaps about Oral Anticoagulant in Saudi Patients

ABSTRACT

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at a higher risk of thrombotic stroke. Therefore treatment with an oralanticoagulant (OAC) has been proven to prevent stroke, however, the bleeding side effect of OAC is the concernfor both physicians and patients. Patients’ knowledge of the stroke and bleeding related to AF is lacking inSaudi Arabia. We conducted this study to assess the knowledge of patients on AF related to stroke and bleedingfrom OAC. Method: this is a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care university center in Riyadh SaudiArabia. A validated questioner provided to patients or patients’ relatives who were diagnosed as permanent AFon OAC, 15 years of age or older who consented to participate in answering the questionnaire. Results: Of 229patients analyzed 46% were male and 54% were female; 58.8% in the age of 56-75 years. They were obese andhad a sedentary lifestyle. 42% knew AF symptoms, 28.9% knew AF can cause stroke, 39% knew bleeding sideeffect of OAC and there were no gender differences. Conclusion: This study revealed poor knowledge about AF,stroke, and bleeding side effects, and this mandate urgent strategy for patients’ education in Saudi Arabia.