# Knowledge, attitudes, and decision-making regarding hyperbaric oxygen-assisted cancer treatment among related healthcare professionals

## TL;DR

This study surveyed healthcare professionals about their knowledge and attitudes toward using hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a cancer treatment.

## Contribution

The study identifies attitudes as a key mediator between knowledge and clinical decision-making regarding hyperbaric oxygen therapy in oncology.

## Key findings

- Healthcare professionals showed adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- Attitudes significantly influence clinical decision-making regarding the treatment.
- Educational interventions could improve evidence-based use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in cancer care.

## Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and clinical decision-making of healthcare professionals in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) units and oncology specialties regarding HBOT as an adjunctive cancer treatment.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February, 2024 and February, 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included sections on demographic characteristics and assessed participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to hyperbaric oxygen-assisted cancer therapy. The KAP scores were calculated to quantify the respondents’ familiarity with and perspectives on the treatment.

Of 202 valid questionnaires, 58.91% were physicians. The majority (63.86%) had over 15 years of clinical experience, and 79.70% reported prior HBOT training in oncology. The mean scores were 52.87 ± 12.21 for knowledge, 41.24 ± 5.92 for attitudes, and 22.40 ± 2.38 for decision-making. Analysis indicated that knowledge positively influenced attitudes (β=0.393, P = 0.013) and decision-making (β = 0.159, P = 0.018), while attitudes significantly impacted decision-making (β = 0.318, P = 0.012). Knowledge indirectly affected decision-making via attitude (β = 0.125, P = 0.004).

Healthcare professionals working in HBOT units and oncology-related specialties demonstrated a generally adequate level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and a proactive approach toward the use of HBOT as an adjunctive cancer treatment, with attitude emerging as a key mediator linking knowledge to clinical decision-making. These findings highlight the importance of targeted educational interventions aimed at strengthening both knowledge and attitudes, which may in turn enhance evidence-based clinical decision-making and support the broader integration of HBOT into oncologic care pathways.