Objectives: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among patients presenting with lower limb swelling and pain and their accompanying family members. A secondary objective was to compare KAP levels between these two groups and identify predictors of higher KAP.
Design: A cross-sectional survey study.
Setting: The study was conducted in various hospital wards and outpatient clinics at a single tertiary academic hospital (Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University) in Xiamen, China, from October 2023 to May 2024.
Participants: A total of 725 participants were recruited using convenience sampling, comprising 358 patients presenting with lower limb swelling and pain and 367 accompanying family members. Key inclusion criteria were age of ≥18 years and the ability to provide informed consent.
Primary and secondary outcome measures: Primary outcomes were KAP scores measured by a validated, self-designed questionnaire. Scores ≥70% of the maximum possible score for each domain were defined as adequate knowledge (≥16.8/24), a positive attitude (≥19) and proactive practice (≥30.4). Secondary outcomes included the comparison of KAP scores between patients and family members and the identification of factors associated with higher overall KAP levels using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results: Of 725 participants, both patients and family members demonstrated inadequate mean knowledge scores (10.62±4.71 and 11.88±4.95, respectively, below the adequacy threshold of 16.8), though mean attitude and practice scores were above the positive/proactive thresholds. Family members had significantly higher scores than patients across all domains: knowledge (mean difference: 1.26, p<0.001), attitude (mean difference: 0.55, p=0.031) and practice (mean difference: 1.45, p<0.001). KAP were all positively correlated (all p<0.001). In multivariate analysis of the family member group, a higher education level (OR=3.06, 95% CI: 1.70 to 5.49) and being medical personnel (OR=5.21, 95% CI: 2.36 to 11.48) were significant predictors of higher overall KAP scores.
Conclusions: Patients presenting with lower limb symptoms and their families possess inadequate knowledge about DVT, despite generally positive attitudes and proactive practices. Family members represent a key resource with significantly better KAP than patients. Targeted educational interventions, focusing on individuals with lower educational levels and non-medical backgrounds, are crucial to improve DVT awareness and facilitate timely medical consultation.
Keywords: Attitude; GENERAL MEDICINE (see Internal Medicine); Knowledge.
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