Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Liver Fibrosis/Cirrhosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Among Medical Staff

Rationale: Liver fibrosis is a critical stage in the progression from liver injury to cirrhosis or tumor formation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown certain effectiveness in treating liver fibrosis. However, there is currently a lack of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) studies regarding this topic.

Aims and objectives: This study aimed to assess medical staff's KAP toward liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and TCM treatment, and to explore the association between KAP scores and demographic factors.

Methods: Demographic information and KAP scores were collected through a self-administered questionnaire.

Results: A total of 262 questionnaires were collected, with 155 (69.82%) females and a mean age of 32.83 ± 8.17 years. Mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 15.99 ± 4.58, 22.69 ± 4.11, and 23.09 ± 3.36, respectively. Working in a teaching hospital (OR = 3.562, 95% CI: 1.214-10.448) was independently associated with adequate knowledge. Knowledge score (OR = 1.104, 95% CI: 1.026-1.186) was independently linked to a positive attitude. Knowledge (OR = 1.263, 95% CI: 1.166-1.368) and attitude score (OR = 1.105, 95% CI 1.010-1.198) were independent predictors of proactive practice. Pathway analysis revealed that knowledge positively affected attitude (β = 0.24, p < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.30, p < 0.001), and attitude directly influenced practice (β = 0.22, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Medical staff demonstrated adequate knowledge, a negative attitude, and proactive practices regarding liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and TCM treatment. Targeted educational programs, interdisciplinary training, and awareness campaigns should be implemented to improve attitudes and promote proactive patient care.