Attributes and influencing factors of hope levels in breast cancer patients: A latent profile analysis

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify specific sub-types of hope levels in breast cancer (BC) patients and explore the influencing factors. METHODS: Between August and December 2023, 528 BC patients took part in this study. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was employed using the Herth Hope Index, Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, BC survivors' self-efficacy scale and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast to identify clusters of hope levels. RESULTS: Three potential categories of hope levels were identified: Low Hope Level-Harmonious-Calm Type (33.71%); Moderate Hope Level-Isolation Fear Type (37.12%); and High Hope Level-Optimistic Coping Type (29.17%). The study established that social support, quality of life, psychological distress, self-efficacy, occupation, income, education and type of surgery are factors influencing hope levels. CONCLUSION: Hope levels within BC patients exhibit identifiable heterogeneity. By discerning the features associated with hope levels, the focus extends beyond patients' occupations, income, education and surgical procedures. It also underscores the importance of enhancing social support, quality of life and self-efficacy while mitigating psychological distress. This targeted approach aims to formulate interventions specifically designed to effectively elevate hope levels in BC patients.