Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary caregivers of gastric cancer patients regarding postoperative dietary management

Family caregivers of gastric cancer (GC) patients after gastrectomy have a strong demand for nutrition knowledge. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of primary caregivers of GC patients regarding postoperative dietary management.

We conducted a cross-sectional study, collecting data through questionnaire distribution. Demographic information of the respondents and KAP scores were assessed and analyzed.

Of 508 included participants, majority were female (59.84%) urban residents (78.94%), aged 40–60 years (53.15%). Caretakers were primarily spouses of GC patient (50.39%) or parents (10.43%), only child (12.99%) or non-only child (24.21%). Notable percentage of poor knowledge and practice was found among participants (45.05% and 40.55%, respectively), while attitude was predominantly positive (99.41%). Correlation analysis revealed a weak positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.150, P < 0.001) and negative link to practice scores (r=-0.228, P < 0.001); attitude scores were positively correlated with practice (r = 0.117, P = 0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that higher attitude scores were independently associated with higher practice scores (OR = 1.360; 95%CI, 1.223–1.513), P < 0.001), while higher knowledge scores (OR = 0.684; 95%CI, 0.575–0.815), P < 0.001), older age (OR = 0.951; 95%CI, 0.918–0.985), P = 0.005), duration of caregiving > 3 months (3–6 months (OR = 0.415; 95%CI, 0.193–0.894, P = 0.025); 6 months-1 year (OR = 0.269; 95%CI, 0.120–0.606), P = 0.002); >1 year (OR = 0.290; 95%CI, 0.120–0.705), P = 0.006), and follow-up location after patient’s surgery (OR = 0.072 (0.033–0.160), P < 0.001) were independently associated with lower practice scores.

Family caregivers of GC patients that participated in this study demonstrated moderate knowledge and practice, but positive attitude towards dietary management after gastrectomy.