Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Care Practices among Patients with Biliary Drainage Tubes

Abstract

Purposes: To study the levels of knowledge, attitude, self-care practices, and to analyze the relationship between these factors among patients with bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) who received biliary drainage tube insertion.

Study design: Cross sectional descriptive study.

Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of patients with biliary drainage tubes receiving treatment at the Male Surgical Ward, Roi Et Hospital. Data were collected using questionnaires covering general information, knowledge, attitude, and self-care practices. The instruments were validated by experts, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.55. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Main finding: The majority of patients had low to moderate levels of knowledge regarding self-care and bile duct cancer (96.7%). While attitudes toward the disease were at a high level (86.7%), overall self-care practices were at a moderate level (53.3%). The top two correct practices were continuous adherence to prescribed medication and avoiding raw food consumption (40.0%). Conversely, the top two incorrect practices were failing to consult healthcare professionals (66.7%) and failing to cease smoking or alcohol consumption (60.0%). Correlation analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, and self-care practices.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Despite having positive attitudes, patients with biliary drainage tubes generally lacked adequate knowledge and exhibited several incorrect self-care behaviors. These findings serve as baseline data for developing continuous educational and skill-building programs for patients to enhance their self-care capabilities and reduce the risk of complications.