Associations between adherence to DOACs and baseline
characteristics, side effects, side effect burden and beliefs about DOAC
use
For all MARS-5 scores (irrespective of the cut-off value) an association
was found between adherence and both side effects and side effect burden
(table 5, results displayed for primary MARS-5 cut-off value only).
Non-adherent patients reported significantly more side effects and
experience a higher side effect burden regardless of the cut-off value.
Furthermore, an association was found between question 11 and adherence:
non-adherent patients more often believed that DOACs have unpleasant
side effects (table 5).
For the primary cut-off MARS value, no associations were found between
patients’ beliefs about DOAC use and adherence for both necessity
scores, concern scores, differential and subtypes. Interestingly, all
non-adherent patients scored high on necessity.
Patients that believe DOACs have unpleasant side effects (BMQ question
11) reported, as was to be expected, significantly more side effects and
experienced a higher side effect burden. Using a regression model to
check for correlations between side effects and beliefs we found an
association between bleedings and a negative attitude towards DOAC use.
For the primary MARS-5 cut-off value no associations were found between
patients’ adherence to DOACs and either gender, DOAC or dosing regimen
(once or twice a day intake). Interestingly, although there is no
statistical significance, all non-adherent patients (9%) used their
DOAC for the indication atrial fibrillation (see appendix).
Table 5. Associations between adherence to DOACs and beliefs
about DOAC use for primary MARS-5 cut-off value