Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals regarding neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury in Hunan, China

To evaluate healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding spinal cord injury neuropathic pain in Hunan Province, China. This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2024 and September 2024 in Hunan Province and included healthcare professionals. The questionnaire was self-designed (Cronbach's α = 0.954) to collect demographic and KAP data. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was performed to determine the relationships among KAP dimensions. The analysis included 402 valid questionnaires. Among them, 28.1% were working in the rehabilitation department, 62.2% had experience in treating patients with SCI, 59.5% had experience in treating patients with SCI-NP, 79.6% were working in a public tertiary hospital, and 85.1% were working at a teaching hospital. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 13.02 ± 8.24 (/28, 46.5%), 34.80 ± 5.99 (/40, 87.0%), and 21.56 ± 8.03 (/35, 61.6%), indicating poor knowledge, positive attitudes, and moderate practice, respectively. SEM analysis indicated knowledge directly influenced attitudes (β = 0.511, P < 0.001) and practices (β = 0.571, P < 0.001) and indirectly influenced practice (β = 0.093, P < 0.001), while attitudes directly influenced practice (β = 0.181, P < 0.001). Similar relationships were observed in physicians and nurses. Healthcare professionals exhibit poor knowledge, positive attitudes, and moderate practice regarding SCI-NP. Educational initiatives are needed to enhance their KAP, translating improved knowledge and attitudes into better practices.