Analysis of the Current Status of Health Information-Seeking Behavior and Factors Affecting Lymphoedema In Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Health information-seeking behavior (HISB) among postoperative breast cancer (BC) patients significantly contributes to lymphoedema prevention and management, enhancing patients' self-care abilities and health outcomes. Identifying influencing factors can provide scientific evidence and practical insights for developing effective lymphoedema-focused health education programs for this population. Objective This study aimed to investigate the current state and determinants of HISB in patients experiencing lymphoedema following BC surgery. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 196 patients was conducted from December 2024 to January 2025 at the Department of Breast Surgery in a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Data collection utilized the General Information Questionnaire, the Upper Extremity lymphoedema Knowledge, Belief, and Behavior (KBB) scale, and the HISB Scale. Multiple linear regression was employed to identify factors associated with HISB among participants. Results The mean HISB score related to lymphoedema among the 196 postoperative BC patients was 178.21 ± 25.018. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the KBB level regarding upper limb lymphoedema, number of family members, age, education level, and discharge instructions significantly influenced patients' lymphoedema-related HISB. Conclusion Postoperative BC patients generally exhibited insufficient levels of lymphoedema-related HISB. Healthcare providers should prioritize patients who are older, less educated, and from smaller families. Enhancing the effectiveness of lymphoedema-focused health education and communication methods is essential to improve HISB and subsequent self-care behaviors in this patient group. Implication for Practice: This study highlights significant gaps in HISB among postoperative BC patients with lymphoedema, identifying key influencing factors including lymphoedema knowledge, age, educational attainment, family size, and discharge instruction quality. These findings can inform healthcare professionals in refining patient-centered health education and communication strategies, thereby enhancing patient engagement and self-management capabilities. Additionally, the results may guide healthcare policy shifts towards a patient-centered, health-promotion approach.