Abstract
PURPOSE: Postoperative behavioral changes (POBC) pose significant challenges in pediatric anesthesia. Understanding healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards POBC is essential for improving patient care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2024 across China, involving 618 healthcare workers (75.57% physicians; mean experience: 9.44 [SD = 6.36] years). The respondents' feedback was collected using a self-developed questionnaire assessing KAP of POBC in children. RESULTS: Moderate knowledge (score: 20.49, SD = 6.35), positive attitudes (score: 34.21, SD = 5.25), but suboptimal practices (score: 19.89, SD = 7.42). Structural equation modeling indicated that knowledge was associated with attitude (β=0.15, P=0.010) and practice (β=0.35, P=0.018). Attitude was also associated with practice (β=0.10, P=0.017), and knowledge showed an indirect association with practice mediated through attitude (β=0.02, P=0.008). Similar trends were observed in physicians. Among nurses, knowledge was directly associated with practice (β=0.27, P=0.012), highlighting differences based on professional roles. CONCLUSION: While healthcare workers demonstrated a foundational understanding and positive attitudes towards POBC, their clinical practices require improvement. Targeted training interventions are recommended to enhance practice skills and optimize pediatric anesthesia outcomes.