Group-based trajectory modeling for supportive care needs in Chinese cancer survivors: A systematic review

This study aims to systematically synthesize studies that applied group-based trajectory modeling to examine the trajectories of supportive care needs (SCNs) among cancer survivors and to identify associated influencing factors.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the following databases: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, and Wanfang. Studies were screened and assessed independently by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cohort Studies and the Guidelines for Reporting on Latent Trajectory Studies (GRoLTS) checklist. Key study characteristics and findings were extracted and synthesized narratively.

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Five distinct SCNs trajectories were identified across studies, including high-stable, moderate-stable, low-stable, decreasing, and increasing patterns. A total of 18 statistically significant influencing factors were identified and categorized according to the five domains of the Social-Ecological Model (SEM). Most factors were related to demographic characteristics, clinical variables, and individual symptoms.

SCNs trajectories among cancer survivors exhibit substantial heterogeneity. While individual- and disease-level factors are commonly reported, limited evidence exists regarding the role of social support, healthcare system factors, and community-level influences. Future research should incorporate broader socio-environmental determinants to enhance understanding of SCNs patterns and inform tailored survivorship care.

PROSPERO CRD42024586557.