Factors Influencing Demoralization Syndrome in Postoperative Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES: To explore the status of demoralization syndrome and its influencing factors in postoperative patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). SAMPLE AND SETTING: Convenience sampling was adopted to select 243 patients who had undergone CRC surgery from a Grade A tertiary hospital in China as the research participants. METHODS AND VARIABLES: Demographic characteristics, disease-related information, medical coping styles, social support level, illness perception degree, and positive psychological capital status were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using independent samples t tests or one-way analysis of variance. Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were also conducted. RESULTS: 232 patients post-CRC surgery completed the survey, with the majority presenting moderate or severe demoralization syndrome (moderate: 57%; severe: 42%). The main factors influencing patients' demoralization syndrome include marital status (widowed), education level, per capita monthly household income (renminbi/month), tumor staging, and ostomy status, as well as resignation coping style, illness perception degree, and positive psychological capital score (all p < 0.05). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should prioritize populations at high risk for demoralization, identify those who are prone to psychological distress, and develop and implement targeted nursing interventions, such as incorporating peer support platforms and patient education, to reduce the risk of postoperative demoralization syndrome.