Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of intrauterine adhesion prevention among healthcare providers and patients: a cross-sectional study in western China.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to assess the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of obstetricians, gynaecologists and women of childbearing age attending gynaecology/hysteroscopy clinics regarding intrauterine adhesions (IUA) by conducting a survey in various hospitals in western China.

DESIGN

In this study, a cross-sectional survey design was used to select seven representative hospitals in western China between January and June 2023.questionnaires were administered to 210 obstetricians and gynaecologists in these seven hospitals and to 306 women of childbearing age visiting the obstetrics and gynaecology/hysteroscopy clinics of these hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 506 valid responses were obtained. The interviewed doctors exhibited a high level of knowledge regarding postabortion management, which correlated positively with their years of experience and the hospital level. Approximately 96.12% of the doctors expressed a willingness to apply this knowledge in clinical practice. On the basis of their knowledge and attitudes towards abortion management, 87.86% of the doctors would choose to implement these measures effectively to protect patients' future fertility. The patients' knowledge significantly improved after treatment, with 92.33% of the patients agreeing that protective measures should be taken during sexual intercourse when procreation is not intended. However, in practice, only 47.67% of the women voluntarily used safety measures.

CONCLUSION

Enhancing doctors' understanding of fertility protection and perioperative management can reduce the abortion rate and increase patient awareness of the potential harm caused by abortion. Strengthening reproductive health education for women of childbearing age and improving their access to relevant knowledge during preabortion education can deepen their understanding of uterine cavity adhesions.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.