Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Towards Painless Endoscopy: A...

Gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) is crucial for diagnosing digestive tract issues, yet discomfort remains a significant concern. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients undergoing GIE in the Shanghai region regarding painless GIE.

We conducted a cross-sectional study at Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from July 27, 2023, to November 28, 2023, using a questionnaire survey to collect data.

A total of 472 valid questionnaires were collected. Among them, 273 (57.8%) were female, and 458 (97.0%) would receive painless GIE. The KAP scores were 7 (4-9) for knowledge, 41 (36.5-46) for attitudes, and 17 (16-20) for practices. Correlation analyses showed that knowledge (r = 0.202, p < 0.001) and attitude (r = 0.290, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with practice. However, the correlation between knowledge and attitude was insignificant. Notably, 47.5% of patients recognized painless GIE as a safe examination method, and 37.1% affirmed its effectiveness in reducing fear. Additionally, 38.8% of respondents would recommend painless GIE to those who need it, although 30.1% would hesitate to visit the hospital because of nausea or discomfort. Multivariate analysis showed that being medical personnel was independently associated with positive practice.

Patients undergoing GIE in the Shanghai region exhibit limited knowledge, suboptimal attitudes, and inadequate practices regarding painless GIE. It is imperative to devise and implement targeted educational interventions to enhance patient awareness and foster the adoption of painless endoscopy techniques within clinical settings. Given the global increase in demand for patient-centered endoscopy services, our results may also serve as a useful reference for other countries or regions with similar healthcare systems, sedation practices, or cultural contexts.