Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding mammary gland hyperplasia among adult women: a cross-sectional study in Shandong province, China.

Abstract

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) in adult women from Shandong province, China. A cross-sectional study. This study was conducted in Shandong province, China, from July to September 2023. Data were collected using a self-administered KAP questionnaire. Adult women. The primary outcome was the KAP scores of adult women regarding MGH. The secondary outcomes were the factors associated with the KAP scores. A total of 742 valid questionnaires were included in the final analysis (effective response rate 94 %). Adult women had insufficient knowledge (median 19, IQR 14-23) but positive attitudes (median 37, IQR 34-39) and proactive practices (median 30, IQR 27-33). Correlation analysis showed weak positive associations between knowledge and practice (r=0.137, p<0.001), and attitude and practice (r=0.152, p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that not having undergone breast medical examination was associated with a lower likelihood of good practice (OR=0.664, 95% CI 0.466 to 0.947, p=0.024). This study indicated relatively low knowledge levels regarding MGH among adult women in Shandong province, despite generally positive attitudes and proactive practices, suggesting a notable knowledge-practice gap. These findings support the need for targeted and context-specific educational interventions, rather than general awareness campaigns alone, to improve breast health management.