Predicting lymphedema self‐management behaviours in breast cancer patients: A structural equation model with the Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change

AIMS: To explore predictors of lymphedema self-management behaviours among Chinese breast cancer survivors based on the Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change, and to clarify the interrelationship among these variables. DESIGN: Further analysis of a multicentre cross-sectional and survey-based study. METHODS: A total of 586 participants with breast cancer were recruited from December 2021 to April 2022 in different cities in China. We used self-reported questionnaires to collect data. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis and structural equation model were performed. RESULTS: The Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change is suitable for predicting lymphedema self-management behaviours. The final structural model showed good model fit. Social support, self-efficacy and lymphedema knowledge positively affected lymphedema self-management behaviours, directly and indirectly. Self-regulation acted as a crucial mediator between these variables and self-management. The direct path between social support and self-regulation was not significant. Lymphedema knowledge and social support also influenced self-management via illness perception, self-efficacy and self-regulation, sequentially. These variables explained 55.9% of the variance in lymphedema self-management behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: The modified model based on the Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change fitted well in predicting lymphedema self-management behaviours among breast cancer patients. Lymphedema knowledge, illness perception, self-efficacy, social support and self-regulation directly and indirectly influenced lymphedema self-management behaviours. IMPACT: This study provides a theoretical basis for the assessment and interventions of lymphedema self-management behaviours in breast cancer patients. Lymphedema self-management behaviours should be assessed regularly and comprehensively, taking these predictors into consideration to identify potential barriers. Further research is needed to explore effective interventions integrating these significant predictors. REPORTING METHOD: This study was reported following Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for cross-sectional studies. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contributed to the design or conduct of the study, analysis or interpretation of the data, or in the preparation of the manuscript. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: This study focused on identifying and predicting mechanism of self-management based on a theory of behaviour change. The results can be applied among patients with other chronic diseases or high-risk populations, and inspire the assessment and interventions facilitating self-management behaviours. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study was registered as an observational study at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2200057084). IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: For breast cancer patients with poor lymphedema self-management behaviour, attention should be raised among nurses and involved healthcare staffs that lymphedema self-management is multi-faced. Strategies targeted at improving social support, self-regulation, knowledge, self-efficacy and illness perception should be also addressed in lymphedema self-management programs, to facilitate more effective improvement of lymphedema self-management behaviours.