# Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of esophageal cancer patients regarding pulmonary rehabilitation training

## TL;DR

This study examines how well esophageal cancer patients understand and engage in pulmonary rehabilitation training, finding that while their knowledge is low, their attitudes and practices are positive.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of esophageal cancer patients regarding pulmonary rehabilitation training.

## Key findings

- Patients showed inadequate knowledge but positive attitudes toward pulmonary rehabilitation.
- Strong correlations were found between knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
- Educational interventions are needed to improve patient knowledge for better rehabilitation engagement.

## Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of esophageal cancer patients concerning pulmonary rehabilitation training.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Henan Cancer Hospital from July 1, 2024, to August 31, 2024. Data were collected through questionnaires that gathered demographic information and KAP scores.

A total of 530 esophageal cancer patients participated, including 197 (37.17%) regular smokers and 145 (27.36%) regular alcohol consumers. The mean ± SD scores were 7.78 ± 4.56 for knowledge (range: 0–20), 40.42 ± 4.66 for attitudes (range: 10–50), and 21.13 ± 3.08 for practices (range: 5–25). Correlation analyses showed positive relationships between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.335, p < 0.001), knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.323, p < 0.001), and attitude and practice scores (r = 0.567, p < 0.001). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated significant effects of knowledge on attitude (β = 0.420, p < 0.001) and attitude on practice (β = 0.711, p < 0.001).

Esophageal cancer patients showed inadequate knowledge but positive attitudes and proactive practices regarding pulmonary rehabilitation. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to improve patient knowledge, enhancing overall engagement in rehabilitation practices.