Perceived stress and cognitive function in breast cancer chemotherapy patients: A latent profile analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Cognitive performance in patients with breast cancer is significantly impacted by perceived stress. However, there is a lack of attention to individual heterogeneity in perceived stress and its association with cognitive function among these patients. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the latent profiles of perceived stress in breast cancer patients and evaluate the relationship between perceived stress and cognitive function.

Methods

Data was collected from a sample of 418 breast cancer patients from the internal medicine ward of a tertiary oncology hospital in Beijing, using the Perceived Stress Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function. Latent profile analysis revealed the potential profile fit with lower AIC, BIC, aBIC, and higher entropy. Subsequent inter-group comparisons (chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U, t-test) were conducted to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics and cognitive function across perceived stress profiles. Binary logistic regression was used to explore demographic variables perceived stress latent profiles.

Results

The potential profile analysis indicated that the two profiles of perceived stress consist of the “high self-esteem-low stress group” and the “low sense of control-high stress group,” which exhibited disparities in cognitive function. The “low sense of control-high stress group” was characterized by a large proportion of patients falling within the age range of 40–55 years old. The “high self-esteem-low stress group” may be characterized by advanced-age patients with high levels of social support or social networks

Conclusions

These findings underscore the interplay of age and psychosocial resources (e.g., social networks) in shaping stress perception and cognitive health. However, the role of psychosocial resources and employment status still needs further exploration. Targeted interventions to enhance perceived control in middle-aged working populations and strengthen social support systems may mitigate stress-related cognitive decline