17-03: Effect of Age on Atrial Fibrillation Patient's Knowledge and Perceptions about Oral Anticoagulation Therapy: Results from an International Survey

Background: Stroke knowledge and perception of stroke risk are likely to affect oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment preferences in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This international prospective study investigated the influence of age on patient perceptions of AF, stroke knowledge, preferences for oral anticoagulation (OAC) treatment decisions, and attributes of OAC affecting treatment choice. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 937 AF patients receiving OAC [overall mean (SD) age 54.3(16.6) years; 37.1% female; mean (SD) CHA2 DS2 -VASc score 2.6(1.7)] recruited from 5 countries (USA, Canada, Germany, Japan, France) in those aged <65 (n = 628) and ≥65 years (n = 309). Results: Significantly fewer elderly patients had experienced a recent stroke and were less often concerned about stroke (Table). Good levels of stroke knowledge were higher in older AF patients (p < 0.001) and self-reported adherence to OAC was higher (p < 0.05). Stroke prevention was the most important factor when choosing OAC, particularly among older AF patients. Younger patients were more concerned by side effects other than major bleeding, dietary restrictions, and antidote availability when choosing OAC than older patients. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001 vs. patients <65 years *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001 vs. patients <65 years Conclusion: Younger AF patients were more concerned about stroke but had poorer stroke knowledge, and reported lower adherence to OAC. Stroke prevention is the most important factor when choosing OAC, regardless of age, with younger patients more concerned about side effects, antidote availability and dietary restrictions.