Latent Profile Analysis and Determinants of Marital Adjustment in Patients with Breast Cancer

J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024 Dec 5:17:5799-5809. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S494987. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the latent profile types of marital adjustment in patients with breast cancer and to analyze the factors influencing these various profiles.

Methods: Patients with breast cancer who visited the Breast Surgery Department from January to June 2023 were selected using convenience sampling. These patients were surveyed using a general data questionnaire, the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index-C (IRI-C), and the Emotional Regulation Self-Efficacy Scale (RESS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to determine different types of marital adjustment among patients, and influencing factors for the various profiles were identified through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: Marital adjustment in patients with breast cancer was categorized into three latent profiles: the "low marital adjustment-low cohesion group" (20.2%), the "midlevel marital adjustment group" (35.3%), and the "high marital adjustment-satisfaction group" (44.4%). The influencing factors included age, marital status, primary caregiver, type of surgical intervention, empathy, and emotional regulation self-efficacy (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The marital adjustment levels of patients with breast cancer exhibited significant heterogeneity. Medical staff can implement targeted interventions based on the distinct characteristics of each marital adjustment profile, thereby enhancing the marital adjustment of these patients.

Keywords: breast cancer; emotional regulation self-efficacy; empathy; influencing factors; latent profile analysis; marital adjustment.

Grants and funding

Science and Technology Project of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University (Tfh2212); Research Project of Nantong Municipal Health Commission (QNZ2023016); Social and People’s Livelihood Science and Technology Projects of Nantong (MS22022063); Nantong “14th Five-Year Plan” Science and Education Health Enhancement Project Young Medical Key Talents Project.