Symptom clusters and their influencing factors among Vietnamese women after cancer treatment

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to (1) identify symptom clusters in Vietnamese women with cancer and (2) examine the factors influencing those identified clusters. A 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. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to identify symptom clusters, followed by structural equation modeling to confirm the underlying structure. 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). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that place of residence (B = 0.318; p  < 0.05) and occupation (B = 0.263; p  < 0.05) were significant predictors for the physical cluster. For the psychological cluster, physical activity (B = − 0.599, p  < 0.001) and the presence of chronic diseases (B = − 0.328, p  < 0.05) were significant influencing factors, with physical activity demonstrating a strong negative association. The physical and psychological symptom clusters underlie the multidimensional nature of symptom burden in women with cancer and highlight the need for integrative, gender-responsive care models. Culturally tailored, cluster-based interventions are required to enhance survivorship care and patients’ outcomes and quality of life.