Path Analysis of Influencing Factors for Financial Toxicity in Patients With Lung Cancer

Background: The impact of financial toxicity is extensive and far-reaching, even affecting the prognosis of patients with lung cancer. While the influence of sociodemographic factors on financial toxicity in patients with lung cancer has been identified, the exploration of the impact of psychosocial factors remains insufficient.

Aims: This study aims to explore the influencing factors and their pathways of financial toxicity in patients with lung cancer.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that utilized a convenience sampling method to select hospitalized patients with lung cancer as research population from a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province between May and November 2023. Investigations were conducted using a general information questionnaire, Comprehensive Scores for Financial Toxicity, Social Support Rating Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Data analysis was performed using descriptive analysis, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, Spearman correlation analysis, stepwise linear regression analysis, and path analysis.

Results: The influencing factors of financial toxicity in patients with lung cancer include age, family income, commercial insurance coverage, social support, and self-efficacy. Furthermore, family income and social support have indirect effects on financial toxicity, while self-efficacy mediates the relationship between social support and financial toxicity.

Conclusion: The financial toxicity experienced by patients with lung cancer should be taken seriously. In clinical practice, healthcare professionals should promptly assess the level of financial toxicity in patients with lung cancer and implement personalized and diversified intervention measures to address it.