Knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatric healthcare staff towards the therapy for patients with congenital heart disease.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pediatric healthcare staff towards the therapy for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). CHD is a major global health concern, posing significant risks to health and life despite advancements in early detection and treatment.

Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 04, 2023 to August 12, 2023 in the Bengbu area (three counties and one city) for pediatric healthcare staff. Correlations between knowledge, attitude and practice scores were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. Factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice scores were identified by multivariate logistic regression.

Results: A total of 332 valid questionnaires were enrolled, including 258 (77.7%) females, and 161 (48.5%) were pediatrician. The median (25% quartile, 75% quintile) of knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 38 (36, 40) (possible range: 10-49), 28 (27, 31) (possible range: 7-35), and 35 (32, 39) (possible range: 9-45), respectively. Correlation analysis showed that significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.528, P < 0.001), as well as practice (r = 0.399, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, there were also correlations between attitudes and practice (r = 0.528, P < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression showed that treated more than 100 children with congenital heart disease annually (OR = 2.976, 95% CI: 1.405, 6.303, P = 0.004) was independently associated with knowledge. Female (OR = 0.470, 95% CI: 0.277, 0.797, P = 0.005) and with more than 5 years of work experience (OR = 0.507, 95% CI: 0.262, 0.982, P = 0.044) were independently associated with attitude. Female (OR = 0.584, 95% CI: 0.343, 0.994, P = 0.048) and treated more than 100 children with congenital heart disease annually (OR = 3.743, 95% CI: 1.702, 8.232, P = 0.001) were independently associated with practice.

Conclusion: Pediatric healthcare staff had sufficient knowledge, positive attitude and proactive practice towards the therapy for patients with congenital heart disease. To improve clinical practice, prioritize training programs to build knowledge and positive attitudes among healthcare staff, encourage hands-on experience with CHD cases, and promote mentorship by experienced professionals for a collaborative work environment and better care.