Knowledge, attitude and practice towards oral anticoagulants: a cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are essential for managing thromboembolic disorders. Good knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare professionals (HCPs) can ensure the safe and effective use of these medicines in patients. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of OACs use by HCPs in Nigeria and identified the predictors associated with these factors.

METHODS

The study was a nationwide cross-sectional study conducted via a structured questionnaire disseminated via online and physical methods. Knowledge (18 items) was assessed through multiple-choice questions, while attitude (7 items) and practice (8 items) were measured using Likert scale items. Knowledge and practice scores were categorised as good (≥ 70%), fair (> 40 - <70%), or poor (< 40%), while attitude was grouped as positive (≥ 70%), neutral (> 40 - <70%), or negative (< 40%). Multiple linear regression was carried out to determine the predictors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of the HCPs.

RESULTS

A total of 687 HCPs [nurses (280, 40.8%), pharmacists (273, 39.7%), and physicians (134, 19.5%)] participated. Most of the HCPs showed fair knowledge (physicians 67 (50.0%), pharmacists 143 (52.4%), nurses 172 (61.4%)), positive attitude (physicians 113 (84.3%), pharmacists 254 (93.1%), nurses 216 (77.1%)) and good practice (physicians 97 (72.4%), pharmacists 191 (70.0%), nurses 190 (67.9%)) regarding OAC usage. Nurses had significantly lower knowledge (B = - 0.783, p = 0.035) and attitude scores (B = - 1.059, p = 0.004) than pharmacists, whereas physicians had comparable knowledge (B = 0.267, p = 0.475) and attitude scores (B = 0.354, p = 0.304). Prior training was associated with higher knowledge (B = 1.228, p < 0.001) and practice (B = 1.339, p = 0.002) scores of OAC use among HCPs.

CONCLUSION

Most healthcare professionals reported fair knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice toward oral anticoagulant use. Prior training and profession type were significant predictors. Targeted training programs are essential to improve competency and ensure optimal patient care in the use of OACs.