Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitude and practice towards ischemic bowel disease

Ischemic bowel disease (IBD) is a critical condition caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines, leading to tissue damage and potentially severe complications. Early recognition and timely management are essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with IBD.

To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare professionals regarding IBD.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in China from November 2023 to December 2023 using a self-designed questionnaire.

A total of 315 valid questionnaires were analyzed, with 215 participants (68.25%) being female. The mean KAP scores were 17.55 ± 5.35 (range: 0-24), 27.65 ± 2.77 (range: 8-40), and 18.88 ± 4.23 (range: 6-30), respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed the following factors to be independently associated with knowledge: Age 26-35 years (β = 2.80, 95%CI: 0.31-5.30, P = 0.028), professional title (β = 2.66, 95%CI: 0.91-4.41, P = 0.003), position (β = -3.78, 95%CI: -5.45 to -2.11, P < 0.001), participation in IBD-related training (β = 3.45, 95%CI: 2.39-4.51, P < 0.001), and admission of more than five IBD cases in the past month (β = 3.25, 95%CI: 1.58-4.92, P < 0.001). Attitude was independently associated with knowledge (β = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.15-0.26, P < 0.001) and being a nurse or nursing supervisor (β = -1.30, 95%CI: -2.16 to -0.40, P = 0.003). Practice was independently associated with knowledge (β = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.10-0.30, P < 0.001) and attitude (β = 0.24, 95%CI: 0.06-0.42, P = 0.007). Structural equation modeling demonstrated direct effects of knowledge on attitude (β = 0.24, P < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.26, P < 0.001), as well as of attitude on practice (β = 0.22, P = 0.012).

Healthcare professionals demonstrated adequate knowledge but moderate attitude and inactive practice regarding IBD. Addressing the gaps in attitude and practice through targeted training programs and interventions is essential for improving patient care and outcomes.