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

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.