Stigma and its relationship with social avoidance among young and middle-aged cancer patients in western China: A cross-sectional study based on latent profile analysis
Abstract
Objective: This study identified the characteristics and categories of stigma in patients with cancer in Western China based on latent profile analysis (LPA), determined the factors associated with different stigma categories, and explored the effects of different categories of stigma on patients’ social avoidance. Methods: Hospitalised cancer patients aged 18–59 years were recruited between December 2023 and April 2024. The study used a general data questionnaire, the Social Impact Scale, and the Social Avoidance Scale. Stigma subgroups were analyzed using LPA, and the factors associated with stigma were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The effects of different latent subgroups of stigma on social avoidance were further explored. Results: In total, 300 questionnaires were administered. The stigma characteristics of patients were divided into three subgroups: low stigma group (class-1), high stigma group (class-2), and moderate stigma group (class-3). These groups accounted for 48.1%, 11.8%, and 40.1% of the sample, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that compared to class-2, class-3, factors associated with low stigma group (class-1) were age < 44 years (OR = 0.095, 95% CI = 0.026–0.356; OR = 0.171, 95% CI = 0.071–0.409), family per capita monthly income < 5000 yuan (OR = 0.078, 95% CI = 0.020–0.300; OR = 0.129, 95% CI = 0.053–0.310). Multiple hospitalisations (OR = 12.922, 95% CI = 2.933–56.924, OR = 8.570, 95% CI = 2.544–28.870,), and married status (OR = 8.339, 95% CI = 0.026–0.356; OR = 4.950, 95% CI = 1.863–13.153) were important factors for stigma in class-1 and class-2 compared to class-3. A positive correlation was observed between stigma and social avoidance. Conclusion: There were significant differences in stigma among patients aged 18–59 years with cancer, which affected their degree of social avoidance. It is necessary to construct personalised psychological interventions according to the characteristics of stigma subgroups, reduce the level of stigma and social avoidance, and promote patient rehabilitation.
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