Analysis of factors influencing delays in seeking medical care among patients with hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To explore the delay in seeking medical care and its influencing factors among patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods Clinical data of 285 HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who were treated in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from February 2024 to December 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. A questionnaire survey was used to collect demographic, medical-seeking behavior, and other data. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing the delay in seeking medical care. Results The incidence of delayed medical care was 28.4% (81/285). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that residence (OR = 0.339, P = 0.005), awareness of HBV is a high-risk factor for HCC (OR = 0.426, P = 0.022), attitude toward seeking medical care (OR = 0.035, P ＜ 0.001), and the use of traditional Chinese medicine to control symptoms (OR = 5.101, P = 0.029) were independent factors influencing the delay in seeking medical care. Conclusions Residence, awareness of HBV is a high-risk factor for HCC, attitude toward seeking medical care, and the use of traditional Chinese medicine are key factors influencing the delay in seeking medical care among patients with HBV-associated HCC. Targeted measures are recommended, such as strengthening health education in rural areas, increasing public awareness of the connection between HBV and HCC, advocating for proactive healthcare attitudes, and regulating the use of traditional Chinese medicine, to reduce medical care delays and improve patient prognosis.