Stigma and related influencing factors in postoperative oral cancer patients in China: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

To examine the level of stigma and identify its influencing factors among postoperative oral cancer patients in China. In total, 274 postoperative oral cancer patients were recruited from a Grade A Tertiary Hospital in China using convenience sampling methods. Patients completed the Social Impact Scale (SIS), Medical Coping Mode Questionnaire (MCMQ), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and General Self-efficacy Scale (GSE). Stigma reported by postoperative oral cancer patients was moderate (50.17 ± 21.24). Stepped multiple linear regression showed that the related factors influencing their feelings of stigma were educational level (β = - 0.110, P = 0.001), smoking (β = - 0.152, P < 0.001), betel quid (β = - 0.120, P = 0.001), tumor location (β = - 0.390, P < 0.001), tumor stage (β = 0.219, P < 0.001), self-efficacy (β = - 0.253, P < 0.001), and confrontation (β = - 0.117, P = 0.001) and avoidance (β = 0.123, P < 0.001), which explained 74.2% of the total variation in stigma (F = 99.378, P < 0.001). Stigma was positively predicted by tumor stage and avoidance but negatively predicted by education level, smoking, betel quid, tumor location, confrontation, and self-efficacy. Further work should focus on developing interventions to reduce stigma by improving protective factors and decreasing risk factors.