Knowledge and self-management behaviors of patients with recently detected atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND: More than 2.3 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation (AF), yet little is known regarding patients' knowledge of AF self-management or adherence to recommended self-management behaviors. PURPOSE: We describe the self-management knowledge and behaviors of patients with recently detected AF and identify demographic characteristics associated with differences in knowledge scores. METHOD: Two weeks after hospitalization, subjects (N = 100) were interviewed by telephone to assess knowledge and self-management behaviors. RESULTS: Knowledge deficits related to AF symptoms, purpose of medication, risk for stroke, warning signs of stroke, and complications of warfarin were found. Knowledge deficits were greater in older subjects and in subjects with less formal education. Despite knowledge deficits, there was high adherence to taking medication and anticoagulation monitoring. CONCLUSION: At 2 weeks after discharge, self-management education provided during hospitalization did not appear to be retained. Knowledge deficits did not seem to deter report of behaviors such as taking medication and anticoagulation monitoring. IMPLICATIONS: The projected expansion of this population with its anticipated effects on health and health care resources warrants further study aimed at developing effective approaches for providing self-management education to patients with AF.