Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression in ovarian cancer patients.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of ovarian cancer patients regarding chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ovarian cancer patients at the Hospital between March and October 2024, using a self-designed questionnaire.

Results: A total of 505 valid questionnaires were collected, with a 100% valid response rate. The average age of participants was 58.41 ± 6.64 years. The mean KAP and health literacy scores were 20.69 ± 6.24 (possible range: 0-18), 34.69 ± 4.97 (possible range: 10-50), 34.30 ± 7.07 (possible range: 9-45), and 8.18 ± 1.81 (possible range: 3-15), respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis showed positive interrelationships between KAP (r = 0.191, 0.315, P < 0.001), and negative correlations between KAP and health literacy (r=-0.326, -0.100, P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed positive associations of knowledge, attitude, education and cancer stage with practice (OR = 1.079, 4.369, P < 0.05), and negative associations between age and practice (OR = 0.905, 95%CI: 0.869-0.942, P < 0.001). In the adjusted SEM, education was directly associated with knowledge (Estimate = 3.63, P < 0.001). Direct associations were observed among KAP (Estimate = 0.238-0.311, P < 0.001), and between health literacy and knowledge (Estimate=-0.063, P < 0.001) or practice (Estimate=-1.050, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Ovarian cancer patients had sufficient knowledge, moderate attitude, positive practice and poor health literacy towards chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression. Educational and behavioral interventions are needed to promote better management of chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression.