Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward LARS Prevention in Rectal Cancer Patients With Prophylactic Stomas: A Multicenter Cross‐Sectional Study

AIM: To assess the current status of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) prevention among rectal cancer patients with prophylactic stomas. DESIGN: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 206 patients who underwent prophylactic stoma reversal after sphincter saving rectal cancer surgery at 20 tertiary hospitals in a specific region between January 2024 and January 2025. A validated KAP questionnaire was utilized, comprising three domains: knowledge (12 items), attitudes (10 items), and practices (10 items). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, multiple linear regression, and mediation analysis. RESULTS: The total KAP score was 109.39 (20.29) (maximum: 160), with sub-scores of 38.46 (8.46) (knowledge), 40.02 (4.25) (attitudes), and 30.92 (10.59) (practices). Educational level, residence, and primary caregiver were identified as significant explanatory factors in multiple linear regression analysis of KAP scores (all p < 0.05). Attitudes partially mediated the relationship between knowledge and practice (mediation effect: 24.90%, p < 0.05). Despite positive attitudes, patients demonstrated moderate knowledge gaps and suboptimal behavioral compliance. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients contributed data to this study but were not involved in its design, analysis, or reporting.