Abstract
This study aimed to classify cancer survivors’ latent profile analysis (LPA) according to the problem list and identify the differences in distress between subgroups. Furthermore, this study identified differences between subgroups based on their demographic and clinical characteristics. A self-reported cross-sectional survey was administered to 446 adult cancer survivors in Korea. A distress thermometer and problem list were used, and four domains of the problem list were used to perform LPA and create subgroups. Quade’s non-parametric analysis of covariance was used to determine the difference in distress between the profiles. The three identified subgroups of the problem list were: “low problem group” (36.7%), “high problem group” (49.1%), and “family only low problem group” (14.2%). The analysis showed that there was a difference in the distress level according to the sub-profile of the problem list (F = 43.69, p < 0.001). In interventions for distress, integrative interventions that are not limited to one area are necessary, and cultural characteristics as well as the problem list relevant to cancer survivors should be considered.
Highlights
This study developed and used a distress thermometer and problem list in research and clinical settings as tools to assess distress of cancer survivors
This study aims to identify the problem list profile of cancer survivors using latent profile analysis (LPA) and examines the demographic and clinical characteristics related to this profile
This study investigates the relationship between the problem list profile and distress
Summary
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide [1]. Advances in early diagnosis and treatment technologies for cancer have significantly extended the life expectancy of cancer patients, and the number of cancer survivors is rapidly increasing [2]. In Korea, the number of cancer patients who survived more than five years after being diagnosed with cancer was about 1.16 million in 2018 [3], that is, 1 in 45 people in the total population Concerns for their health problems are increasing. Cancer survivors who have completed life-threatening surgery and chemotherapy can generally return to their previous lives in a healthy state. They may suffer from later treatment-related side effects, including concerns regarding cancer recurrence and the development of new malignancies, along with various physical and psychosocial problems due to disease or treatment [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
