Financial Toxicity Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients - Latent Profile Analysis

Background This study aimed to identify potential financial toxicity profiles among Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to explore the factors associated with different profiles. Methods Patients with IBD who attended a tertiary Class A hospital in Anhui Province between October 2022 and January 2024 were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity, and the Chinese version of the Perceived Social Support Scale. Latent profile analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to classify financial toxicity profiles and examine their determinants. Results Three distinct profiles of financial toxicity were identified: a “high financial toxicity group” (46.03%), a “moderate financial toxicity group” (48.41%), and a “low financial toxicity group” (5.56%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that lower levels of social support and an annual household income below 30,000 CNY were significant predictors of financial toxicity ( P  < 0.05). Conclusions Considerable heterogeneity exists in financial toxicity among patients with IBD. Tailored interventions based on patients’ financial toxicity profiles may help healthcare professionals mitigate financial burden and improve patient outcomes.