Compliance of Patients Using Warfarin to The Treatment and The Factors Affecting The Target INR

Abstract

Objective: Our study aimed to examine the treatment compliance of patients using warfarin and investigate the effect of sociodemographic characteristics and treatment-related knowledge levels on the target INR value.

Method: It is a cross-sectional, descriptive study. In the study, three different questionnaire forms, namely Sociodemographic Information Form, Clinical Data Form, and Modified Morisky Scale (MMS), were used as data collection tools. Descriptive statistics are presented as percentage, mean and standard deviation. The normal distribution suitability of the variables was investigated using the Kolmogorov Smirnov Test. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and t-test were used to compare data. The statistical significance level in the analysis was accepted as p<0.05.

Results: A total of 104 patients who agreed to participate in the study within the specified date range were included. 30.8% of the patients participating in the study were using warfarin due to cerebrovascular disease, 19.2% due to atrial fibrillation, and 13.5% due to having a prosthetic heart valve. 78.8% of the patients stated that they received training on using warfarin, and 82.9% of those who received training stated that they received this training from a doctor. According to MMS, 68.3% of the patients had high motivation, and 49% had a high level of knowledge. The motivation of the patients living in rural areas, who did not receive training on warfarin, did not go to regular health checkups, and that warfarin did not interact with other drugs and foods was significantly lower (p<0.05). The rate of being in the target INR value range was higher in patients living with their families (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Drug compliance and INR values of patients using warfarin are affected by their education about warfarin, regular health check-ups, knowing that warfarin interacts with other drugs and foods, warfarin use time, knowing the INR interval, and living with their family. It is important to take precautions for these factors in the follow-up and training of the patients.