Education level, mental support, and disease knowledge in relation to adaptability in adult outpatient chemotherapy patients with malignant tumors — a cross‑sectional study

Abstract

Abstract To evaluate the adaptability status of outpatient chemotherapy patients with malignant tumors and identify influencing factors, providing a foundation for developing personalized intervention strategies. This study employed a convenience sampling method to select patients undergoing daytime chemotherapy at a tertiary cancer hospital in Sichuan Province between October and December 2024. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Outpatient Malignant Tumor Patient Adaptability Scale. Statistical analysis, including univariate and multivariate regression, was conducted using SPSS 26.0. A total of 300 patients were included.The overall adaptability score of the patients was 113.22 ± 13.14, indicating a moderate level of adaptability. Univariate analysis revealed that factors such as age, education level, place of residence, employment status, monthly household income, payment method for medical expenses, chemotherapy cycles, type of mental support, disease care knowledge, and attitude toward the disease significantly influenced adaptability (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis identified education level (β = 1.182, P = 0.019), type of mental support (β = 2.672, P = 0.003), disease care knowledge (β = 10.466, P < 0.001), and attitude toward the disease (β=-9.079, P < 0.001) as key determinants of adaptability. The adaptability of outpatient chemotherapy patients with malignant tumors is influenced by multiple demographic, social, and clinical factors. Enhancing patient education, providing diverse mental support, improving disease knowledge, and fostering positive attitudes are crucial to improving adaptability. These findings can inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance the quality of life and treatment outcomes for cancer patients.