Perceived knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding nutritional management among gastric cancer patients: an...

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the perceived knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding nutritional management among patients with gastric cancer (GC).

The study was conducted among patients with histopathologically confirmed GC at Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital between April 2025 and September 2025. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics and KAP scores. Exploratory path analysis was employed to examine interrelationships among the KAP domains.

A total of 828 valid questionnaires were analyzed, yielding an effective response rate of 98.8%. Mean scores for perceived knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 16.48 ± 3.96 (range: 0-26), 44.19 ± 2.06 (range: 10-50), and 23.58 ± 1.86 (range: 6-30), respectively. KAP scores varied significantly across subgroups defined by education level, area of residence, and prior receipt of nutritional education (all P < 0.001). Knowledge was positively correlated with attitudes (r = 0.284, P < 0.001) and practices (r = 0.163, P < 0.001), and attitudes were positively correlated with practices (r = 0.230, P < 0.001). Path analysis revealed that perceived knowledge was directly associated with attitudes (β = 0.417, 95% CI: 0.311-0.490, P = 0.019) and demonstrated a significant total association with practices (β = 0.160, 95% CI: 0.076-0.241, P = 0.033). Attitudes were directly associated with practices (β = 0.311, P = 0.007) and served as a potential mediator in the relationship between perceived knowledge and practices (indirect β = 0.130, P = 0.004).

Despite generally positive attitudes, substantial gaps remain in GC patients' nutritional knowledge and implementation of healthy practices. Structured, skill-based nutritional education, integrated within a multidisciplinary care framework, may enhance adherence.