Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Cardiology, cilt.444, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) increases the risk of stroke, which can be reduced with oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy. However, limited patient knowledge about NVAF and its treatment may compromise medication adherence. This study evaluated the association between NVAF knowledge, anticoagulant awareness, and adherence. Methods: This sub-analysis of the TRAFFIC (Turkish Registry of Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiovascular Clinics) study included 1659 NVAF patients. Disease and treatment knowledge were assessed with structured questionnaires (score range: 0–14). Adherence was evaluated using three key behaviors (score range: 0–6). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression identified independent predictors of adherence. Results: The median age was 70 (62–77) years; 48 % were female. Median NVAF knowledge score was 9.0 (7.0–11.0) and anticoagulant knowledge score was 10.0 (7.0–12.0). Overall, 42 % of patients showed high adherence, 20 % medium adherence, and 38 % low adherence. Both NVAF knowledge (r = 0.316, p < 0.001) and anticoagulant knowledge (r = 0.350, p < 0.001) correlated positively with adherence. In multivariable analysis, education level (OR = 1.312, 95 % CI: 1.121–1.535, p = 0.0007), anticoagulant knowledge (OR = 1.564, 95 % CI: 1.295–1.889, p < 0.0001), NVAF knowledge (OR = 1.172, 95 % CI: 0.974–1.410, p = 0.0016), and younger age (OR = 0.804, 95 % CI: 0.700–0.923, p = 0.0006) independently predicted adherence. Conclusions: Greater knowledge of NVAF and anticoagulant therapy is significantly associated with higher adherence. Educational interventions addressing specific knowledge gaps, especially regarding disease mechanisms and treatment importance, may enhance adherence and reduce adverse outcomes in NVAF patients.