Knowledge, attitude, and practice of stroke patients' family members towards stroke rehabilitation: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among family members of stroke patients regarding stroke rehabilitation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the family members of stroke patients at the China Rehabilitation Research Center from February 15 to May 2, 2024. This study collected demographic data and KAP scores through a self-designed questionnaire.

Results

The study enrolled 517 family members, of which 344 (66.54%) were male. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 12.01 ± 5.46 (possible range: 0-20), 49.40 ± 4.96 (possible range: 11-55), and 41.93 ± 7.49 (possible range: 10-50), respectively. Correlation analyses demonstrated a significant positive relationship between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.501, P < 0.001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.471, P < 0.001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.441, P < 0.001). Structural Equation Modeling indicated that showed that knowledge directly affected attitude (β = 0.481, P = 0.004) and practice (β = 0.351, P = 0.009), and attitude directly affected practice (β = 0.244, P = 0.007). Additionally, knowledge indirectly affected practice through attitude (β = 0.117, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

This study identified significant gaps in knowledge, despite generally positive attitudes and proactive practices among family members of stroke patients regarding stroke rehabilitation. This highlights the necessity for tailored educational programs for family members to address these knowledge gaps.