Illness Perception and Risk Management Behaviors Among Patients With Gynecologic Cancer at Risk of Lower Extremity Lymphedema.

Background: Patients with gynecologic cancer who undergo lymphadenectomy are at increased risk of lower extremity lymphedema (LEL). They are encouraged to be alert to the possibility of LEL and take risk-management measures throughout life. However, we know little about the perception for LEL and adherence to risk-management measures of Chinese patients with gynecologic cancer.

Objective: To assess the illness perception and risk management behaviors of Chinese gynecologic cancer patients and further examine the effect of illness perception on risk management behaviors.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. From June to December 2023, gynecologic cancer patients at risk of LEL were surveyed (n = 223). Questionnaires on illness perception and risk management behaviors specifically for LEL were utilized. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, univariate analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis.

Results: The participants exhibited suboptimal LEL risk management behaviors, with the physical activity dimension receiving the lowest score (3.24 ± 1.02). Patients' self-perceived understanding of LEL was relatively low (2.88 ± 0.83). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the identity, cause, and control dimensions of illness perception, as well as several demographic and disease variables, were significant predictors of patients' LEL risk management behaviors.

Conclusions: The LEL risk management behaviors of patients with gynecologic cancer need to be improved. Consideration of perceptions of identity, cause, and control is crucial for enhancing LEL risk management behaviors.

Implications for practice: Health professionals can implement targeted health education based on an assessment of patients' perceptions of LEL, thereby promoting lymphedema risk management.