Efficacy of a Health Belief Model-Based Intervention for Anticoagulant Adherence in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Evidence supports anticoagulants' efficacy in reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, poor anticoagulant adherence increases the risks of stroke and bleeding.Aim: The study aims to test the efficacy of a health belief model-based intervention for improving the primary outcome, adherence to anticoagulant therapy, and the secondary outcomes, knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy of anticoagulant therapy.Methods: The study is a parallel randomized trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. A convenience sample of 72 patients treated with anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation was recruited from cardiology clinics in Taiwan. They were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention groups. The health belief model-based intervention comprises a 60-minute individual face-to-face instruction and six follow-up telephone calls. A blinded outcome assessor collected self-report data from both groups at baseline (T1), 12th week (T2), and 24th week (T3).Results: A generalized estimating equation showed significant group-by-time interaction effects on both adherence to and knowledge of anticoagulant therapy. The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in adherence (ß = -1.25, 95% CI: -2.46 to -0.04) and knowledge (ß = 17.93, 95% CI: 4.63–31.23) across the three time points than the control group did. However, there was no significant between-group difference in self-efficacy, perceived benefit, or perceived barriers to adherence.Conclusion: The study results support the intervention's efficacy on improving adherence to and knowledge of anticoagulant therapy among patients with atrial fibrillation, but no effect on other essential concepts health belief model.