International normalised ratio control in a non-metropolitan setting in Western Cape Province, South Africa

Background. The quality of international normalised ratio (INR) control determines the effectiveness and safety warfarin therapy. Data on INR in non-metropolitan settings South Africa (SA) are sparse. Objectives. To examine time therapeutic range (TTR) its potential predictors a sample Garden Route District Municipality primary healthcare clinics (PHCs). Methods. records from eight PHCs were reviewed. TTR percentage patients with >65% determined. A host variables analysed for association TTR. Results. median (interquartile (IQR)) age cohort ( N =191) was 56 (44 - 69) years. (IQR) 37.2% (20.2 58.8); only 17.8% had ≥65%. Compared aged >50 years, those <50 worse (median 26.6% (16.1 53.0) v. 43.5% (23.5 60.1); p =0.01). Patients hospitalised any reason during study period than not 26.2% (16.2 50.2) 42.9% 62.0); =0.02). On multivariable regression analysis, participants atrial fibrillation/flutter better other indications (odds 2.21; 95% confidence interval 1.02 4.77; =0.04), but still very poor. Conclusions. control, as determined by proportion ≥65%, these Age hospitalisation marker illness predicted poor control. There difference between groups, depending indication warfarin. Evidence-based measures to improve therapy need be instituted matter urgency.