Knowledge and attitude toward proton radiotherapy among oncology patients: a multi-center, cross-sectional study

<b>Aim:</b> To explore the knowledge and attitude among oncology patients toward proton radiotherapy. <b>Materials &amp; methods:</b> This cross-sectional study was performed using self-designed questionnaire. <b>Results:</b> Based on 546 valid questionnaires, mean knowledge and attitude scores of 3.4 ± 3.6 (range: 0–12) and 31.1 ± 3.5 (range: 10–50) were observed. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher education (<i>p</i> = 0.021), higher monthly income (<i>p</i> = 0.005), and proton radiotherapy history (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with higher knowledge scores. Higher knowledge (<i>p</i> = 0.020), older age (<i>p</i> = 0.030), not smoking (<i>p</i> = 0.032) and medication use (<i>p</i> = 0.035) were independently associated with higher attitude scores. <b>Conclusion:</b> Oncology patients have insufficient knowledge and negative attitude toward proton radiotherapy, which might be affected by their age, education, income, proton radiotherapy history, employment, smoking and medication use. Understanding oncology patients' knowledge and attitude toward proton radiotherapy is benefit for the improvement of their clinical outcomes and quality of care. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude among oncology patients toward proton radiotherapy. A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted on 546 oncology patients, using a self-designed questionnaire. Patients' knowledge and attitude scores toward proton radiotherapy were assessed by the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore the associations among sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude. Oncology patients might have insufficient knowledge and negative attitude toward proton radiotherapy. Age, education, income, proton radiotherapy history, employment, smoking, and medication treatment for other conditions might have an impact on their knowledge and attitude. The findings would help clinicians to identify cancer patients who require further education and interventions to improve their knowledge and attitude.