Trajectories and factors influencing fear of progression in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: a longitudinal study

Background The aim of this study was to explore potential categories and factors influencing the trajectory of change in fear of progression in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods Conveniently selected post-PCI patients with coronary artery disease who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology between April and December 2024,The Fear of Progression Questionnaire -Short Form(FoP-Q-SF) was used to assess the level of FoP in patients at four time points: immediately post-PCI, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge.In addition, the potential category growth mixture model was used to identify the developmental trajectory of fear of progression, and univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to analyse its determinants.follow-up surveys and other variables were collected only at baseline, using online questionnaires. Results The trajectory of change in fear of progression after PCI in patients with coronary heart disease can be categorized into a high-fear-initial-rise-followed-by-decline group (31%), a medium-fear-gradual-decline group(45.7%), and a low-fear-stable group (23.3%);Occupational status, family history of coronary heart disease, the mode of PCI intervention, the level of social support received, and patients' perceptions of their disease are significant factors influencing the categorization of fear of progression trajectories in these patients post-PCI ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion There is notable group heterogeneity in the fear of progression after PCI in patients with coronary heart disease. Healthcare professionals need to develop targeted interventions to reduce the level of fear of progression in patients based on the group characteristics and influencing factors of the trajectory of fear of progression.