Thyroid nodule (TN) constitutes a prevalent endocrine disease, manifesting as localized growths in the thyroid gland due to aberrant thyroid cell proliferation (1, 2). TN patients might experience neck pain, foreign body sensation, or throat pressure, and the TN detection occurs through nodule palpation or neck ultrasound examination (3). TNs can be classified into benign and malignant types. Approximately 90% to 95% of TNs are benign; and malignant nodules account for only 5% to 15%, the majority of which represents papillary thyroid cancer (TC) (4, 5). Global statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that TC contributed to 586,000 cases worldwide in 2020, ranking ninth in terms of incidence (6). In China, TNs have shown an escalating trend in incidence over the past two decades, with TC emerging as one of the most rapidly increasing malignancies (7). Notably, TN and TC has also been acknowledged in China’s Medium- and Long-Term Plan for Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment (2017–2025). To mitigate the implications of these disorders, early detection, accurate diagnosis, public education, and capacity building were proposed in the plan (8).

In recent years, the rates of TN detection and incidence have been escalating (9). Managing TN entails an initial assessment of its nature and function. Asymptomatic benign nodules usually necessitate no specialized treatment, but require regular follow-up at intervals of 6 to 12 months to avert malignancy (10). If a noteworthy expansion of nodules is noted during these follow-ups, vigilant attention should be directed towards signs, symptoms, and ultrasound indications of nodule malignancy (11). Consequently, meticulous management and sustained periodic monitoring hold particular significance for patients with benign nodules (12). Malignant TN warrants early identification and treatment through surgical intervention, postoperative I¹³¹ therapy, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression therapy (13, 14). Patient-led management are largely influenced by their comprehension of treatment options and preferences (15). Consequently, evaluation of patients’ knowledge assumes critical importance, which can offer potential to enhance disease management and prognostic outcomes.

The knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey operates on the premise that human behavioral change is a sequential progression encompassing knowledge acquisition, belief formation, and behavior establishment (16). Enhancing knowledge and consciousness of TN or TC potentially contributes to better patient prognoses and reduced mortality rates (17). Previous studies have reported varying levels of understanding related to thyroid disease among the general public and university students (17–19). Nevertheless, the KAP of TN or TC patients towards these conditions and their management remained unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to unravel the KAP towards TN and TC among the patient population.

A total of 562 questionnaires were collected, among which 52 were excluded due to logical errors or complete duplication of choices. Of the enrolled 510 participants (90.75%), 102 (20.00%) were male, 113 (22.16%) were < 35 years old, 197 (38.63%) were 35–50 years old, and 200 (39.22%) were > 50 years old. The 397 (77.84%) participants were married, 275 (53.92%) resided in urban areas, 187 (36.67%) had an education of middle school and below, 122 (23.92%) had an education of high school or technical secondary school, 129 (25.29%) were professional and technical staff, and 347 (68.04%) had a family per capita monthly income of <5,000 CNY. Notably, 197 (38.63%) had the diagnosis of TC confirmed by pathological examination, 102 (20.00%) had a family history of TN, and 33 (6.47%) had a family history of TC. The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 5.76 ± 3.09 (possible range: 0–12), 31.07 ± 2.73 (possible range: 9–45), and 18.97 ± 2.92 (possible range: 5–25), respectively. There was significant difference in knowledge scores between different age distributions, gender group, marital status, residence, education degree, occupations, family per capita monthly income levels, medical insurance types, duration of thyroid nodules, TI-RADS classification types, immediate family history of TN, immediate family history of TC, immediate family history of other neoplastic diseases (other than TC) (p < 0.05). There was significant difference in attitude scores between different age distributions, marital status, residence, education degree, occupations, family per capita monthly income levels, medical insurance types, TI-RADS classification types, types of TC (p < 0.05). There was significant difference in practice scores between different age distributions, marital status, education degree, occupations, family per capita monthly income levels, duration of TN, duration of TC (p < 0.05) (Table 1). The 354 (69.41%) participants had undergone thyroidectomy, 312 (61.18%) had received levothyroxine therapy, 39 (7.65%) had undergone physical ablation, and 24 (4.71%) had received I¹³¹ therapy (Figure 1).

There was comparable score in knowledge, attitude, and practice between participants with and without TC. Items with the lowest correct rates were that “patients with thyroid nodules with normal thyroid function require levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy” (K5) (19.41%; 26 (13.20%) among patients with TC vs. 73 (23.32%) without TC, p = 0.005), and “all patients with TN should undergo ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy” (K3) (20.00%; 22, 11.17% among patients with TC vs. 80, 25.56% without TC, p < 0.001). The item with the highest correct rates were K6 “the TN suspected of malignancy by fine-needle aspiration biopsy should be considered for surgical treatment” (72.35%; 152, 77.16% among patients with TC vs. 217, 69.33% without TC, p = 0.054), and K7 “surgery is the main treatment for TC” (69.80%; 153, 77.66% among patients with TC vs. 203, 64.86% without TC, p = 0.002). There were differences in correct rate of some knowledge items between those with TC and those without TC (Table 2).

More than half of the participants (271, 53.14%) agreed or strongly agreed with the disease worry, especially those with a confirmed diagnosis of TC (120, 60.91%) (A1). The majority of participants (405, 79.41%) participants agreed or strongly agreed that “the public should be encouraged to screen for TN and TC” (A6). A total of 157 (30.78%) participants agreed or strongly agreed that “even if the thyroid nodule is benign at present, it should be excised as soon as possible to prevent malignant change in the future” (A3), and 415 (81.37%) participants agreed or strongly agreed that “surgery should be carried out as soon as possible after the diagnosis of TC”(A7). However, 81 (15.88%) participants agreed or strongly agreed with the overtreatment for benign TN (A4), while 42 (8.24%) agreed or strongly agreed with the overtreatment for thyroid cancer (A5) (Table 3; Supplementary Table S1).

For practice, most participants claimed their compliance in follow-ups (448, 87.84%) (P1), adherence with medication regimen and administration medicine (445, 87.45%) (P2), and active learning behaviors towards the management of TN or thyroid cancer (391, 76.67%) (P5). Nearly half participants claimed that they would pay attention to maintaining a good emotional state (295, 57.85%) (P3) and relieving psychological pressure (272, 53.34%) (P4) (Table 4; Supplementary Table S2). The most common source of information was healthcare providers (424, 83.14%), followed by the Internet (333, 65.29%) and their friends (186, 36.47%) (Figure 2).

Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the knowledge scores of participants were positively correlated with their attitude scores (r = 0.282, p < 0.001) and practice scores (r = 0.352, p < 0.001), and the attitude scores were also positively correlated with their practice scores (r = 0.146, p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age of above 50 years old (OR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.12–0.64, p = 0.003), and junior college or bachelor’s degree and above (OR = 4.97, 95%CI: 1.74–14.20, p = 0.003), monthly income of 5,000–10,000 CNY (OR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.09–3.74, p = 0.025) and > 10,000 CNY (OR = 5.67, 95%CI: 2.49–12.94, p < 0.001) were independently associated with the knowledge. The knowledge score of ≥8.40 (OR = 3.87, 95%CI: 1.89–7.95, p < 0.001), high school or technical secondary school (OR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.30–0.88, p = 0.016), and monthly income of 5,000–10,000 CNY (OR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.13–3.63, p = 0.018) were independently associated with the practice. However, there was no significant association between knowledge scores and attitude scores (OR = 1.59, 95%CI: 0.99–2.54, p = 0.053) (Table 5).

This study revealed that the patients had insufficient knowledge, moderate attitude, and proactive practice towards TN and TC and disease management. The findings may be used to assist healthcare providers in designing educational programs for patients to improve their awareness, attitudes, compliance, and behaviors towards TN and TC and its management.

Poor knowledge of thyroid disease is common and has been reported in previous study (24). A web-based survey showed that 56% of residents in Saudi Arabia had a poor knowledge (19). Another survey of 3,722 university students also showed that the students had poor knowledge about early signs of TC and inadequate behavior and attitude towards preventive practices of TC (17). The present study showed a misunderstanding of patients to the medication for TN and TC, the indication of fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and the prognosis of TC, indicating the need of education about the need for biopsy and treatment options. Patient preference was regarded as an important factor influencing their decision-making and greatly impacted the prognosis of TC (25). Since patient preference is affected by the knowledge and attitude towards disease, raising the knowledge and attitude appears necessary for patients to choose the appropriate treatment.

The significant differences in KAP scores among various sociodemographic factors provided valuable insights into the factors shaping individuals’ perceptions and behaviors regarding TN and TC. For example, younger individuals might exhibit greater familiarity with recent medical developments due to exposure to evolving information sources. Similarly, variations in education levels could influence the extent of medical knowledge assimilated (26). Moreover, regional disparities might contribute to differences in knowledge and attitude, since urban residents possibly have better access to healthcare information and thus cultivate more positive attitude compared to rural counterparts (27). Socioeconomic factors, including income levels and medical insurance types, might affect access to healthcare services and the ability to afford prescribed treatments. Additionally, the disparities in practice scores regarding duration of TN or TC implied the need for ongoing support and guidance for individuals facing prolonged health challenges.

Individuals without TC had higher knowledge scores in recognizing the benign nature of most TNs, the limited occurrence of malignancy, and the necessity for fine-needle aspiration biopsy. These insights were consistent with public awareness efforts and educational campaigns targeted at dispelling fears and misconceptions surrounding TNs (28). However, the lower correct rates regarding ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy and levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy for normal thyroid function indicated potential gaps in understanding more nuanced aspects of TN management. Conversely, patients with TC exhibited more comprehensive understanding of key aspects related to thyroid disease, which was expected given their direct engagement with the disease. Their awareness of the significance of neck ultrasound examinations, surgical interventions as the primary treatment modality, the need for lifelong thyroxine therapy post-thyroidectomy, and the intricacies of recurrence and I¹³¹ therapy demonstrated heightened disease-specific knowledge. This awareness was likely ascribed to their direct communications with healthcare professionals, diagnostic procedures, and treatment plans (29). Therefore, targeted efforts are needed to correct misconceptions, provide accurate information, and emphasize the significance of early detection and appropriate diagnostic measures for populations without TC. While for patients with TC, it is recommended to leverage their higher baseline knowledge to engage in shared decision-making of treatment options, potential complications, and long-term management strategies.

An online study by Park et al. found that public almost all wanted to know the diagnosis results of suspicious TN immediately, and 59.5% of respondents wanted papillary thyroid microcarcinoma removed immediately (30). This study showed similar results as most participants showed their worry about TN and TC and wanted to undergo surgeries as soon as possible. A previous qualitative interview reported that participants experienced shock, anxiety, fear, and a strong need to get TC out (31). Most patients in the present study also showed disease worry and death fear towards TC. Some participants claimed that they would not pay attention to maintaining a good emotional state and relieving psychological pressure, indicating neglect of patients on their psychological state and a lack of education on psychological support. Previous studies have suggested that the long-term psychological well-being of cancer survivors is associated with their emotional response to diagnosis (32). Therefore, improvements in the practice of psychosocial pressure management are needed.

Although surgeons and endocrinologists showed concerns about the overtreatment of thyroid disease (33), this study found that most patients disagreed with the presence of overtreatment of TN. Despite that the present results showed the good practice of participants, some participants still believed that there was no need to treat TN, take medication, and follow up as suggested by doctors. This study showed that the major source of information for patients to get knowledge of TN and TC was from doctors and nurses, and thus, more efforts should be taken to promote better health education programs in the hospital. Similar to previous studies that showed the association of education, age, and income with the KAP of participants (34, 35), this study also revealed a significant association between older age, lower income, and lower education with poorer knowledge and a lower practice score. Extra public health education programs about TN and TC should be conducted, especially for the older generation with low income and education levels. Notably, no significant association between knowledge and attitude was observed. Factors such as personal experiences, cultural beliefs, and emotional responses could exert considerable influence on attitudes, irrespective of one’s knowledge levels (36, 37). Therefore, approaching patients with sensitivity to their knowledge gaps, attitudes, and emotional responses could ensure comprehensive and effective approach to managing thyroid conditions.

Given the insufficient knowledge, it was imperative for health promotion strategies to prioritize targeted education, which should reinforce the significance of public awareness of chronic illnesses. Therefore, disseminating accurate and easily comprehensible information of TN and TC becomes pivotal. Additionally, the moderate attitudes towards thyroid conditions presented a foundation for attitude enhancement. Specifically, health promotion efforts could establish support groups for patients to exchange experiences and insights (38). Facilitated by healthcare professionals, discussions within these support groups could foster positive attitudes through knowledge exchange and emotional support. Furthermore, conducting workshops on stress management, making healthy lifestyle choices, and ensuring effective medication adherence can empower patients to actively manage their well-being.

To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first time to explore the KAP of patients towards TN and TC and its management. However, there were still several limitations. Firstly, the study relied on self-reported data, and thus was susceptible to participants’ motivations. Since offline investigations might be swayed by information interpretation of researchers, the social desirability bias might occur. Secondly, it was a single-center study, so the results may not be representative of all TN and TC patients. A multicenter, nationwide, large-sample study was needed in the future.

In conclusion, patients demonstrated insufficient knowledge, moderate attitude towards TN and TC, but proactive practice regarding disease management. Education are needed to improve the knowledge of patients, especially for those aged above 50 with low income.

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

The studies involving humans were approved by Ethics Committee of The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.

WL: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft. JD: Conceptualization, Data curation, Writing – original draft. WX: Conceptualization, Data curation, Writing – original draft. YZ: Data curation, Writing – review & editing. HC: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Writing – review & editing. GJ: Data curation, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft.