Identification of Symptom Profiles in Prostate Cancer Survivors.

Abstract

Objectives: To identify symptom profiles (e.g., fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment) among prostate cancer survivors, examine factors associated with the identified symptom profiles, and compare quality-of-life outcomes.

Sample & setting: 98 prostate cancer survivors who completed primary treatment were enrolled in a randomized parent trial.

Methods & variables: Established scales were used to measure symptoms and quality of life. Latent profile analysis was employed to classify patient groups based on symptom experiences. Logistic regression assessed factors associated with symptom profiles.

Results: The mean age of participants was 69 years (SD = 6.8). A high-symptom group (n = 29) and a low-symptom group (n = 69) were identified. Higher perceived stress (odds ratio [OR] = 1.28; p = 0.006), poorer spiritual well-being (OR = 0.84; p = 0.006), and lower household income (OR = 0.12; p = 0.089) were associated with being classified into the high-symptom group. Patients in the high-symptom group reported worse quality of life across all domains (p < 0.05).

Implications for nursing: Prostate cancer survivors experience varying degrees of symptom severity. Understanding the symptom profiles and associated factors can inform nurses about patients in need of symptom management and targeted interventions.