A latent profile analysis of self-advocacy and their relationship to differences in unmet cancer needs in patients with breast cancer chemotherapy

Abstract

This study aimed to identify self-advocacy subgroups of female breast cancer chemotherapy patients and to explore the sociodemographic variables of each subgroup and to determine the relationship between self-advocacy and unmet needs for cancer in different subgroups. A total of 437 female breast cancer patients completed the General Sociodemographic Form, Self-Advocacy Scale, and Cancer Unmet Needs Scale. Latent profile analysis was applied to explore self-advocacy subgroups. Socio-demographic variables in each group were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and ANOVA was used to explore the relationship between each subgroup and unmet need for cancer. The most appropriate is a 3-class model: advocacy potential group, advocacy balance group, and advocacy maturity and stability group. Age, BMI, marital status, residence, mode of health insurance, average monthly household income, and TCM constitution affect the distribution of self-advocacy. Female breast cancer chemotherapy patients are heterogeneous in their level of self-advocacy. It is recommended that healthcare professionals screen multiple levels and types of patients early and provide categorical interventions focusing on age, TCM constitution, and needs.

Keywords

breast cancer / latent profile analysis / self-advocacy / TCM constitution / unmet needs

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2025 The Author(s). Precision Medical Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital.