A mediation analysis of family members’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in nutritional and dietary management for gastric cancer patients

TL;DR

This study examines how family members' knowledge, attitudes, and practices affect dietary management for gastric cancer patients, finding that education and training can improve outcomes.

Contribution

The study identifies key factors influencing caregivers' nutritional practices and proposes targeted educational interventions.

Findings

Family members have positive attitudes but inadequate practices in nutritional care for gastric cancer patients.

Income, nursing support, and training significantly influence caregivers' knowledge and practices.

Educational interventions are recommended to improve caregivers' implementation of dietary guidelines.

Abstract

Gastric cancer is a leading cause of global cancer mortality, especially in China, with high incidence and death rates. Nutritional status is crucial for prognosis, yet adherence to dietary guidelines remains low. Family caregivers, pivotal in patient care, often lack adequate nutritional knowledge and practices, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of family members regarding nutritional care for gastric cancer patients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2024 at the Department of Medical Oncology, Inner Mongolia Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital. Demographic information and KAP scores were collected using structured questionnaires.

Among 406 valid questionnaires, 216 (53.2%) respondents were female. Median (25, 75%) knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 27.00 (19.00, 33.00), 31.00 (30.00, 36.00), and 36.00 (34.00, 42.00), respectively. Structural equation modeling revealed that factors like income, nursing support, and training significantly influenced knowledge, attitude, and practice (all p < 0.05). Mediation analyses showed indirect effects of these factors on attitude and practice (all p < 0.05).

Family members understand gastric cancer nutritional care and maintain positive attitudes, but their practices are inadequate. Educational interventions are needed to improve caregiver knowledge and implementation.

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