Illness behavior and its predictors in young and middle-aged colorectal cancer patients: A latent profile analysis

To describe the characteristics of sick role adaptation and understand the differences in young and middle-aged colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

225 colorectal cancer patients aged 18-59 admitting to a specialized oncology hospital in Guangzhou, China were involved from January to April 2022. Socio-demographic characteristics, disease-related characteristics, scores of Illness Behavior Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire were applied to collect quantitative data. Latent profile analysis (LPA) of illness behavior, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple logistic regression were performed.

Three latent classes of illness behavior were identified: low maladaptive illness behavior group, moderate maladaptive illness behavior group, and high maladaptive illness behavior group. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences among the three latent classes with respect to education level, anxiety and depression, illness perception, uncertainty in illness and coping modes. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that marital status, family history of cancer, education level, family monthly income, anxiety and depression, illness perception, uncertainty in illness and coping modes were predictors of maladaptive illness behaviors among young and middle-aged CRC patients.

The results of the study raise a concern of maladaptive illness behaviors in young and middle-aged colorectal cancer patients, highlighting the need for age-appropriate psychosocial care approaches to promote adjustment of the illness behaviors followed by the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.