Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Breast Reconstruction Among Breast Surgery Healthcare Professionals in China.

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of breast surgery healthcare professionals in China towards breast reconstruction.

Patients and methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was performed between July and September 2024, recruiting breast surgery healthcare professionals across China. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire with high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.915) to capture demographic and KAP information. Multivariate logistic analyses identified factors independently associated with the KAP.

Results: A total of 371 participants were enrolled. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 8.25±3.67, 43.77±6.25, and 25.56±4.77. Working at a teaching hospital (OR=7.019, 95% CI: 2.519-19.562, P<0.001) and performing or participating in breast reconstruction surgery for patients (OR=4.128, 95% CI: 2.170-7.853, P<0.001) were independently associated with adequate knowledge. The knowledge scores (OR=1.093, 95% CI: 1.019-1.173, P=0.013), female gender (OR=3.774, 95% CI: 1.959-7.279, P<0.001), master's degree or above education (OR=5.597, 95% CI: 2.050-15.284, P=0.001), non-public tertiary hospitals (OR=8.196, 95% CI: 2.368-28.363, P=0.001), >20 years of experience (OR=11.249, 95% CI: 1.554-81.443, P=0.017), teaching hospital (OR=3.367, 95% CI: 1.262-8.980, P=0.015), and performed or participated in breast reconstruction surgery for patients (OR=2.228, 95% CI: 1.041-4.769, P=0.039) were independently associated with the positive attitude. The knowledge scores (OR=1.176, 95% CI: 1.095-1.262, P<0.001), doctor (OR=3.502, 95% CI: 1.025-11.971, P=0.046), master's degree or above education (OR=0.116, 95% CI: 0.043-0.313, P<0.001), junior title (OR=0.194, 95% CI: 0.052-0.730, P=0.015), non-public tertiary hospitals (OR=0.225, 95% CI: 0.078-0.650, P=0.006), and 10-20 years of experience (OR=0.318, 95% CI: 0.109-0.924, P=0.035) were independently associated with the proactive practice. Structural equation modeling showed that knowledge significantly influenced both attitudes (β=-1.753, P<0.001) and practices (β=1.981, P<0.001).

Conclusion: While attitudes and practices were generally positive, significant gaps remain in routine recommendation and education practices. Targeted educational programs may enhance their knowledge and improve clinical practices.