Knowledge, attitude, and practice of sexual healthcare and its influencing factors among oncology nurses: a multicenter study

Background: The provision of sexual healthcare plays an integral role in the field of oncology nursing. However, limitations in the knowledge, attitude, and practice perspectives of oncology nurses require detailed study. Aim: In this study the authors sought to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice of oncology nurses regarding sexual healthcare from a nationwide perspective and to explore the factors that influence them. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using stratified random sampling of certified oncology nurses from 55 hospitals in 6 provinces in Central South China. In total, 2530 nurses participated and completed the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice questionnaire of Sexual Health Care (KAP of SHC), the Nurses Clinic Communication Competency Scale, the Nurses Professional Values Scale, and the General Self-efficacy Scale. Multivariate linear regression was used to explore influencing factors. Outcomes: The primary variable was the knowledge, attitude, and practice of sexual healthcare provision. Secondary variables included professional value, clinical communication competency, self-efficacy, and demographic factors. Results: The median KAP of SHC score was 139 (possible range 72 to 288). Attitude of SHC scored highest, followed by knowledge and practice scores. Professional values were positively associated with knowledge (odds ratio [OR] = 0.057; 95% CI: 0.023–0.091; P < .01) and attitude (OR = 0.319; 95% CI: 0.268–0.370, P < .01) of SHC. Clinical communication competency was only positively related to the attitude of SHC (OR = 3.960; 95% CI: 2.701–5.218, P < .01). Self-efficacy was positively related to KAP and the knowledge (OR = 0.616; 95% CI: 0.506–0.725, P < .01), attitude (OR = 0.187; 95% CI: 0.052–0.322, P < .01), and practice (OR = 0.840; 95% CI: 0.735-0.944, P < .01) of SHC. Clinical Implications: Knowledge assistance, attitude training, and practice coaching resources must be on the agenda to optimize professional practice for oncology nurses. Strengths and Limitations: This study provides data based on the Knowledge, Attitude, Belief and Practice (KABP) model in a nationwide sample of oncology nurses. In addition, the relationship between self-efficacy and KAP of SHC has been explored for the first time. The limitations are that this study may have some bias and did not take into account mediating relationships. Conclusions: Oncology nurses exhibit moderate levels of KAP of SHC. It is noteworthy that self-efficacy and position are the only 2 factors that influenced all aspects of KAP of SHC.