Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Gynecologic Cancer Patients at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital Toward COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background and Aim: During the Covid-19 pandemic, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about COVID-19 infection in gynecologic cancer patients were still limited. This study aimed to explore these issues. Methods: Gynecologic cancer patients who attended our gynecologic oncology unit between February and June 2022 were invited to a cross-sectional survey using a WHO survey tool. Results: 363 patients participated with 20.9% undergoing treatment and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine significantly less than the surveillance participants (85.4% vs.57.9%, P < 0.01). Forty-eight participants developed a COVID-19 infection. The most common vaccine used for the two first doses was AstraZeneca. Regarding attitudes issues, most participants felt health literacy was obtained easily. They considered that they had a moderate probability to have severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection and almost all knew the proper behavior for prevention. The participant reported little stress and most trusted healthcare workers and family doctors. They agreed with lifting regular rules to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The other opinions that were significantly higher in participants who did not receive the vaccine versus those who received the vaccine, were as follows: “If everyone is vaccinated, no need for me to vaccinate”, “the stress made me not want to vaccinate”, “no need to vaccine due to rare disease” and “the vaccine is unsafe”. Conclusion: Gynecologic cancer patients who were under treatment received the COVID-19 vaccine less than those under surveillance. Most participants revealed a good attitude toward this pandemic. However, unvaccinated participants were concerned about the severe side effects of the vaccine.

Keywords

• attitude, gynecologic cancer patients, covid-19