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

Background 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. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study, collecting data through questionnaire distribution. Demographic information of the respondents and KAP scores were assessed and analyzed. Results 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. Conclusions Family caregivers of GC patients that participated in this study demonstrated moderate knowledge and practice, but positive attitude towards dietary management after gastrectomy.