Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward esophageal cancer screening and early diagnosis and treatment among family members of esophageal cancer patients: A cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to esophageal cancer screening, early detection, and treatment among family members of patients with esophageal cancer. Conducted April-May 2025 at the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, KAP was measured via a self-administered questionnaire. Of 540 distributed questionnaires, 538 valid responses were collected (response rate: 99.63%). Among respondents, 285 (52.97%) were female, 376 (69.89%) resided in urban areas, and 301 (55.95%) were the patient's spouse, child, or parent. Mean scores were: knowledge 19.75 ± 4.84 (range 0-16), attitude 30.38 ± 7.77 (range 12-60), and practice 25.76 ± 10.38 (range 12-60). Structural equation modeling revealed a direct positive effect of knowledge on attitude (β = 1.12, P < 0.001) and on practice (β = -1.39, P < 0.001); however, attitude did not mediate practice, and the indirect effect of knowledge on practice was not significant. Overall, participants demonstrated moderate knowledge, neutral attitudes, and suboptimal practices. Targeted health education is needed to enhance awareness and proactive screening engagement among caregivers, improving early detection.