Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers on preventing postoperative deep vein thrombosis

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare workers concerning the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremity. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024 in departments such as joint surgery, internal medicine, and general surgery across tertiary hospitals in the Yellow River Delta region. Data were collected using a self-designed and validated questionnaire based on the KAP model. A total of 205 valid questionnaires were collected, with 98 respondents (47.8%) being nurses. Median scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 8.00 (range: 0-8), 47.00 (range: 10-50), and 46.00 (range: 10-50), respectively, indicating strong overall performance in all three domains. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that higher knowledge (OR = 2.24, P = 0.008) and attitude scores (OR = 1.29, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of better preventive practices. Conversely, working in surgical (OR = 0.17, P = 0.001) and working in other departments (OR = 0.28, P = 0.010) were associated with lower levels of preventive practice, indicating the need for targeted interventions in these high-risk units. Healthcare workers demonstrated generally adequate knowledge and attitudes toward DVT prevention. However, specific gaps in clinical practice were observed, particularly the limited use of thromboelastography. Targeted training programs focusing on practical application are recommended to strengthen preventive measures, especially in surgical and internal medicine departments.