Latent Profiles of Stigma and Their Influencing Factors in Post-Mastectomy Breast Cancer Patients: A Conservation of Resources Theory Perspective

The study examined stigma in 276 breast cancer patients after modified radical mastectomy at a hospital in Sichuan Province. The average stigma score was 53.88 points, indicating a moderate level of stigma. Analysis identified three distinct patient groups: low-stigma (22.1%), moderate-stigma (57.2%), and high-stigma (20.7%). Factors influencing group membership included age, education level, employment status, monthly income, paresthesia in the affected upper limb, TNM clinical stage, self-compassion, and perceived social support. Results suggest that healthcare professionals should pay increased attention to younger patients, those with higher education, financial difficulties, and advanced cancer stages. Implementation of individualized interventions focused on developing self-compassion and strengthening social support is recommended.