Knowledge, attitude, and practice of monitoring early gastric cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Background: Early gastric cancer (EGC) is typically treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, recurrence may occur after ESD, requiring surveillance.

Aim: To examine the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of EGC survivors following ESD regarding gastric cancer recurrence.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June 1, 2022 and October 1, 2022 in Zhejiang, China. A total of 400 EGC survivors who underwent ESD at the Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine participated in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to assess KAP monitoring gastric cancer after ESD.

Results: The average scores for KAP were 3.34, 23.76, and 5.75 out of 5, 30, and 11, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive and significant correlations between knowledge and attitude, knowledge and practice, and attitude and practice ( = 0.405, 0.511, and 0.458, respectively; all < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that knowledge, attitude, 13-24 mo since the last ESD ( ≤ 12 mo since the last ESD), and ≥ 25 mo since the last ESD ( ≤ 12 mo since the last ESD) were independent predictors of proactive practice (odds ratio = 1.916, 1.253, 3.296, and 5.768, respectively, all < 0.0001).

Conclusion: EGC survivors showed inadequate knowledge, positive attitude, and poor practices in monitoring recurrences after ESD. Adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and a longer time since the last ESD were associated with practice.