Healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy

This study examined healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Nanjing Gulou Hospital Group Suqian Hospital and other hospitals in Suqian City's Sucheng district from August to October 2023, using a structured questionnaire. Among 495 respondents, 71.9% were female, 87.5% worked in tertiary hospitals, and 49.9% were nurses. Median scores (25th-75th percentiles) were: knowledge (10, 7-12), attitude (30, 28-33), and practice (34, 28-40). Multivariable logistic regression identified factors linked to poor practices, including employment in non-tertiary hospitals (OR = 0.388, 95% CI: 0.213-0.709, P = 0.002), lacking a professional title (OR = 0.264, 95% CI: 0.087-0.797, P = 0.018), and holding an intermediate title (OR = 0.459, 95% CI: 0.230-0.914, P = 0.027). Overall, healthcare workers demonstrated insufficient knowledge, favorable attitudes, but suboptimal practices. The findings suggest a need for targeted education and training programs to improve their understanding and management of diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, ultimately enhancing patient care outcomes.