Tracing the dynamic interplay of benefit finding, self-management efficacy, and social support in gynecological cancer patients: a longitudinal study

TL;DR

This study tracks how gynecological cancer patients' perceptions of benefit and their self-management and social support evolve over six months.

Contribution

The study identifies distinct trajectories of benefit finding and their dynamic links to self-management efficacy and social support in cancer patients.

Findings

Benefit finding levels in gynecological cancer patients showed a moderate upward trend over six months.

Three distinct benefit finding trajectory groups were identified using latent class growth analysis.

Benefit finding trajectories were dynamically associated with changes in self-management efficacy and social support over time.

Abstract

The study aimed to (1) investigate the levels and dynamic changes of benefit finding (BF) in gynecological cancer patients at baseline (T0), 3-month follow-up (T1), and 6-month follow-up (T2); (2) To explore the latent trajectory classes of BF using a latent class growth model; (3) To examine the dynamic relationship between BF trajectory classes, self-management efficacy, and social support. A longitudinal study. At the initial survey, participants completed questionnaires including a general demographic survey, the Chinese version of the benefit finding scale, cancer self-management efficacy scale, and social support rating scale. Follow-up data, excluding the general demographic survey, were collected at the 3 and 6 month. Statistical analyses was performed using SPSS 29.0 and Mplus 8.3. (1) The BF levels among gynecological cancer patients were moderate within the 6-month follow-up period, showing an increasing trend over time. (2) Three BF trajectory groups were identified: high stable growth group (41.1%), moderate stable growth group (45.6%), and a low continuous growth group (13.3%). (3) A dynamic relationship was observed between BF trajectory classes, self-management efficacy, and social support: patients in the high stable growth group showed continuous increases in self-management efficacy and social support over time, maintaining high levels; patients in the low continuous growth group experienced significant growth in social support. Overall, BF in gynecological cancer patients remained at a moderate level during the 6-month follow-up, showing an upward trend over time. There was heterogeneity in BF trajectories, and the trajectory categories of BF were dynamically related to self-management efficacy and social support. This study provides that latent trajectory classes of benefit finding, self-management efficacy, and social support in gynecological cancer patients. It can be used for the identification of patients with moderate to low levels of BF. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should tailor interventions based on the patient’s stage and trajectory group to better understand and meet psychological needs, alleviate negative emotions, and improve quality of life. This study is reported using the STROBE guidelines. No patient or public engagement.

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