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

Abstract

Background and objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 infection among gynecologic cancer patients remained limited. This study aimed to explore these aspects.

Materials and Methods: Gynecologic cancer patients attending our gynecologic oncology unit between February and June 2022 were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey using a WHO survey tool.

Results: A total of 363 patients participated, with 20.9% undergoing treatment. Vaccination rates were significantly lower among treatment patients compared to surveillance participants (57.9% vs. 85.4%, P < 0.01). Forty-eight participants reported a COVID-19 infection. The most common vaccine used for the first two doses was AstraZeneca. Regarding attitudes, most participants felt that health literacy was easily obtained. They perceived a moderate probability of experiencing severe symptoms from COVID-19 infection and were generally aware of proper prevention behaviors. The participants reported low stress levels and most trusted healthcare workers and family doctors. They generally agreed with lifting regular rules to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The following opinions were significantly higher among the participants who did not receive the vaccine compared to those who did: "If everyone is vaccinated, no need for me to vaccinate", "The stress made me not want to vaccinate", "No need to vaccinate due to rare disease", and "The vaccine is unsafe."

Conclusion: Gynecologic cancer patients undergoing treatment were less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine than those under surveillance. Most of the participants demonstrated positive attitudes toward the pandemic. However, unvaccinated participants expressed concerns about the potential side effects of the vaccine.