Key result
Prior training is linked to significantly higher oral anticoagulant knowledge scores among healthcare professionals.
Why the study?
Good knowledge, attitude, and practice among healthcare professionals can ensure safe and effective oral anticoagulant use, but these factors and their predictors had not been assessed in Nigeria.
Cross-Sectional (n=687)
Yes
Most healthcare professionals in Nigeria demonstrate fair knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding oral anticoagulants, though targeted training is needed to improve competency, particularly among nurses.
Targeted training may boost OAC knowledge among Nigerian nurses; leaves open effects on clinical outcomes.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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Orok et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards oral anticoagulants (n=687). Prior training on oral anticoagulants vs. No prior training was evaluated on Knowledge score regarding oral anticoagulants (B = 1.228, 95% CI 0.551-1.906, p=<0.001). Most healthcare professionals demonstrated fair knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice toward oral anticoagulant use, with prior training significantly predicting higher knowledge scores (B = 1.228).
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