Latent profile analysis and related factors for fear of progression among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

Background Fear of progression is a common psychological burden among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, persisting for many years following treatment completion. However, most existing studies focus on total scale scores and overlook the potential heterogeneity in profiles of fear of progression among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Consequently, this study aims to identify the latent profiles of fear of progression among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and to explore factors of these profiles, including sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, illness perception, and meaning in life. Methods A total of 296 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients completed the sociodemographic and disease related questionnaire, fear of progression questionnaire-short form, brief illness perception questionnaire and purpose in life test. Latent profile analysis was used to explore the subgroups of fear of progression. The variables associated fear of progression sub-profiles were compared using chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal–Wallis H test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Findings The fear of progression among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients can be categorized into three profiles: low, moderate, and high fear profiles. The results of the multivariate logistic regression showed that gender, age and initial diagnosis/recurrence were signifcant factors associated with the subgroups of fear of progression. Female patients, patients aged 18–30 years, and those with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were prone to high fear profile. The result indicated that the higher illness perception and lower meaning in life, the greater the likelihood of being classified into a higher fear profile. Implications Three latent profiles of fear of progression exist in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Healthcare providers should develop and implement tailored strategies based on the characteristics of three profiles to alleviate fear of progression and maintain mental health.