A cross sectional study assessing the knowledge and attitudes towards lumbar puncture among the staff of a public university in Malaysia

Problem considered: Lumbar puncture (LP) refusal rates of as high as 30% have been reported in developing countries. Without LP, the patients may suffer suboptimal treatment or unnecessary complications from their disease. Due to a lack of studies exploring the reasons behind this LP refusal, no solution has been suggested to address this problem. Therefore, we carried out this study with the aim of determining knowledge of and attitude towards LP among the public. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study among staff in a public university in Malaysia was conducted using stratified random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were sent to 500 staff members from April to August 2015. The questionnaire, which included questions on demography, knowledge and attitude towards LP, was pre-tested and validated (Cronbach's alpha = 0.701). Results: A total of 316 of 500 (63%) responded, of which 294 were complete and analysed. The median (IQR) age was 34 and 65% were female. 80% had tertiary education. The mean knowledge score was 6 +/- 3; 74% were categorised into poorly informed, 23% moderately informed, and 3% well-informed. The mean attitude score was 35 +/- 4; 3% were categorised as having poor attitude, 72% moderate attitude, and 27% good attitude. Respondents with higher education had a higher knowledge and attitude score (p = 0.001), while respondents afraid of needles had a lower attitude score (p = 0.019). Total knowledge scores and total attitude scores showed a positive correlation (r = 0.272, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The public are not adequately informed about LP, leading to the unreceptive attitudes towards LP consent. Therefore, the public should be educated about LP to create better awareness. (c) 2017 INDIACLEN. Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India, Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.