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Integrating Augmented Reality Tools in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Prognostication and Diagnosis
Published on: February 6, 2020
A Latent Profile Analysis of Risk Perception in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Among Women With Breast Cancer
Yuqing Wu1, Zhuyue Ma2, Yanyan Shi3
1Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China.
Background:
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common postoperative complication that impairs arm function and diminishes quality of life. Consistent engagement in self-management practices is crucial for the early prevention of BCRL. Since risk perception is a key determinant of behaviour change, it may serve as a critical target for improving adherence to BCRL self-management among patients with breast cancer. This research aimed to evaluate the profiles and determinants of risk perception related to BCRL in women after breast cancer surgery.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study involving 211 patients with breast cancer was carried out. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling from a tertiary hospital in Nanjing. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, a self-designed and validated risk perception questionnaire, a lymphedema-related knowledge questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Latent profile analysis was carried out to determine subgroups of risk perception related to BCRL. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to examine factors influencing these subgroups.
Results:
Latent profile analysis revealed three distinct risk perception subgroups: low-level risk perception (18.0%), medium-level risk perception (39.8%), and high-level risk perception (42.2%). Multinomial logistic regression revealed that factors such as age, employment status, education level, monthly household income, type of breast surgery, lymphedema-related knowledge, perceived social support, and self-efficacy significantly influenced these risk perception profiles (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Substantial heterogeneity exists in risk perception levels regarding BCRL among patients with breast cancer after surgery. Healthcare providers should prioritize early identification of patients with low-risk perception tendencies and implement targeted interventions to address misperceptions. These efforts could enhance adherence to preventive strategies and mitigate the risk of BCRL.
