Anh Tien Hoang
1,2 
, Thi Quynh Nhu Tran
3, Cao Phuong Duy Le
4, Thi Ha Vo
5,6* 1 PCI Unit, Hue University Hospital, Hue, 52000, Vietnam
2 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, 52000, Vietnam
3 Department of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, 52000, Vietnam
4 PCI Unit, Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, V-70000, Vietnam
5 Faculty of Pharmacy, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, V-70000, Vietnam
6 Department of Pharmacy, Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, V-70000, Vietnam
Abstract
Introduction: Adherence to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is critical after drug-eluting stent(DES) placement. We aimed to assess patient’s knowledge, rates of DAPT adherence, trends in DAPT use over time, and patient‐level factors associated with nonadherence in the patient with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Methods: ACS patients who received one or more DES between May and September 2018from two hospitals in Vietnam and used DAPT after stent placement were eligible for a direct interview to assess patient’s knowledge on disease and DAPT. Telephone interviews were conducted one, three, and six months following discharge. Nonadherence was defined as premature discontinuation of DAPT. Factors related to nonadherent patients were analyzed using the chi-square test.
Results: Of the 200 patients identified, 154 (77%) participated. Of the ten questions related to knowledge, the mean score of correct answers was 8.2 ± 2.3, and 71.7% had good knowledge.Adherence to DAPT was high at one month (94.2%) but declined by three months (44.2%) and then by six months (46.8%). Aspirin adherence was 99.3%-100% throughout. Three factors associated with nonadherence of DAPT following DES placement by six months included: rural location, linactive occupation, and inadequate knowledge on disease and DAPT (p<0.05).
Conclusion: DAPT adherence is high at one month but is suboptimal at three and six months.Factors associated with the nonadherence of DAPT will be helpful in the planning of patient education strategies.