Fear of cancer recurrence in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: A latent profile analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify latent profiles of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and examine the associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 677 patients with early-stage NSCLC who underwent surgical treatment at a tier-three cancer hospital in Beijing between January 2022 and August 2023. Data collection included demographic variables and assessments using the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), Herth Hope Index (HHI), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Latent profile analysis was employed to classify FCR levels and identify influencing factors.

RESULTS

Three distinct FCR profiles emerged: "low FCR" (27.6%), "moderate FCR" (66.2%), and "high FCR" (6.2%). Independent risk factors for moderate FCR included individuals aged 36-60 years (odds ratio [OR] ​= ​1.871, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.208-2.899) and a household income below 5000 yuan (OR ​= ​1.86, 95% CI 1.059-3.267). Protective factors for moderate FCR included lower levels of education (OR ​= ​0.505, 95% CI 0.283-0.902), religious beliefs (OR ​= ​0.355, 95% CI 0.152-0.833), and smoking (OR ​= ​0.461, 95% CI 0.284-0.747). High FCR was strongly associated with being 36-60 years old, lower HHI scores (OR ​= ​11.055, 95% CI 4.441-27.522), and poor social support (OR ​= ​3.392, 95% CI 1.385-8.308).

CONCLUSIONS

FCR among patients with early-stage NSCLC can be categorized into distinct profiles, with specific demographic and psychosocial factors influencing severity. Tailored nursing interventions addressing varying FCR levels are critical to improving patient care and psychological well-being.