Patients' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward degenerative lumbar spine disease: A cross-sectional study in...

Degenerative lumbar spine disease negatively affects physical mobility and daily activities, potentially influenced by patients' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP). This study aimed to examine the KAP of patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease, examine their interrelationships, and identify influential factors. A cross-sectional analysis at Shanxi Bethune Hospital enrolled patients from December 2023 to January 2024. Demographic data and KAP scores were gathered through self-designed questionnaires, resulting in 483 valid responses, with 75.16% aged ≥ 51 years and 50.1% male. The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 7.43 ± 2.10, 32.69 ± 2.77, and 23.62 ± 5.96, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that knowledge (OR = 1.66, P < 0.001) and attitude (OR = 1.27, P < 0.001) positively correlated with practice. Participants with higher education levels, compared to those with elementary education or below, showed significant associations with practice: junior high (OR = 4.82, P = 0.007), high school/technical school (OR = 10.3, P < 0.001), and college/bachelor's and above (OR = 6.61, P = 0.005). Structural equation modeling indicated positive relationships: knowledge and attitude (β = 0.20, P = 0.001), attitude and practice (β = 0.61, P < 0.001), and knowledge and practice (β = 1.22, P < 0.001). In conclusion, patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease demonstrated inadequate knowledge, positive attitude, and poor practice, highlighting the need for educational and behavioral interventions, especially for those with lower education.