Perioperative knowledge needs in maxillofacial trauma patients: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: Maxillofacial trauma poses a growing public health burden worldwide, yet the perioperative knowledge needs of affected patients are poorly understood across different demographic groups. This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative knowledge needs in patients with maxillofacial trauma across different demographic groups, while re-evaluating the reliability and validity of the research instrument. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 469 maxillofacial trauma patients at a tertiary stomatology hospital in Sichuan, using convenience sampling. Structural validity of the questionnaire was assessed via exploratory factor analysis (EFA), while reliability was evaluated through internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and split-half reliability. Non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U) were employed for inferential analysis. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 64.2% (301/469) male participants, 77.4% (363/469) of whom were aged 16 years or younger. EFA revealed a six-dimensional structure that explained 69% of the variance. The questionnaire demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.889, split-half = 0.780). Significant variations in knowledge needs were observed across the perioperative stages (p < 0.001). Age significantly influenced needs relating to routine postoperative care (p < 0.001), medications/secondary care (p < 0.005), and scar prevention/treatment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The knowledge needs of patients vary significantly according to their demographics, peaking during the first week after surgery. This highlights the importance of personalized patient education during the early stages of recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registration No. ChiCTR2300079287, Registration Date 29 December 2023.