Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hyperuricemia and Sleep Among Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to assess patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding hyperuricemia and sleep.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 6 to October 21, 2024, at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Participants with hyperuricemia were recruited using electronic convenience sampling via a QR-code-based questionnaire distributed through WeChat. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect baseline characteristics and KAP data. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores ranged from 0-20, 8-40, and 7-35, respectively. For logistic regression analyses, KAP scores were dichotomized at the median values (knowledge: 13, attitude: 32, practice: 23).

A total of 691 valid questionnaires were analyzed, and 68.3% of participants had hyperuricemia for more than 2 years. The mean (SD) knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 13.61 (5.31), 33.25 (5.05), and 24.48 (5.05), respectively. Based on the median cut-offs, 361 participants had higher knowledge scores and 330 had lower scores; 371 had higher attitude scores and 320 had lower scores; and 360 had higher practice scores and 331 had lower scores. Positive correlations were observed among KAP scores (r=0.352-0.565, all P<0.001). Having family members or friends with hyperuricemia was positively associated with knowledge (OR=1.518, 95% CI: 1.052-2.189, P=0.026), whereas uncertainty about snoring during sleep was negatively associated (OR=0.558, 95% CI: 0.323-0.963, P=0.036). Higher knowledge scores, having family members or friends with hyperuricemia, and irregular sleep were positively associated with attitude, whereas age ≥65 years was negatively associated. Higher knowledge scores, higher attitude scores, and age 45-64 years were positively associated with practice, whereas rare sleep regularity was negatively associated. Structural equation modeling showed direct associations among KAP, and knowledge also had an indirect association with practice (β=0.200, 95% CI: 0.132-0.268, P<0.001).

Patients with hyperuricemia exhibited inadequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and insufficient practices regarding hyperuricemia and sleep. Targeted educational and behavioral interventions may help improve disease and sleep management.