Navigating life Post-Cancer Diagnosis in women: Symptom Clusters and Influencing Factors

Aims : 1) To identify symptom clusters in Vietnamese women with cancer and 2) to examine the factors influencing those identified clusters. Method : This cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 hospitals across Vietnam from September to December 2023. A total of 217 valid data sets from women with cancer were included. The symptom clusters were identified by exploratory factor analyses. Results : Fatigue and appetite loss were recognized as the most common symptoms. The exploratory factor analysis showed two distinct groups of factors, occupying 54.66% of total variance: fatigue, appetite loss, pain, sleep issues, hair loss, nausea, and sexual issues (Factor 1 – physical cluster) and mood issues, personal stress, depression, and anxiety (Factor 2 – psychological cluster). In terms of factors influencing two clusters, smoking demonstrated a marginally non-significant negative association with Factor 1 - physical health (R ² =1.44%), while physical activity illustrated a significant negative association with Factor 2 - mental health (R ² = 7.25%). Conclusions : The physical and psychological symptom clusters underlay symptom experiences complexity. Tailored interventions from healthcare providers are required to enhance patients’ outcomes and quality of life.