Abstract
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.