Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Spinal Cord Tumors Among Patients and Their Families in Beijing: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding spinal cord tumors among both patients and their family members.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, between August 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024 using a self-designed questionnaire.

Results: A total of 489 valid questionnaires were analyzed, including 219 (44.79%) from patients. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11.09 ± 6.64 (possible range: 0-28), 18.61 ± 1.92 (possible range: 6-30), and 33.58 ± 4.34 (possible range: 8-40), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that urban residency (OR = 1.904, 95% CI: 1.113-3.314, P = 0.020) and higher monthly per capita income (OR = 3.779, 95% CI: 1.697-8.599, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of proactive practice. Path analysis demonstrated that knowledge (β = 0.11, P < 0.001), monthly per capita income (β = 1.15, P < 0.001), and marital status (β = -0.93, P = 0.039) directly influenced practice behaviors.

Conclusion: Patients and their families demonstrated suboptimal knowledge, negative attitude and proactive practice towards spinal cord tumors. Efforts should be made to enhance education and awareness programs targeting both patients and their families for improving knowledge and fostering positive attitudes.