The mediating role of the intimate relationship between dyadic coping and reproductive concerns in couples of childbearing age facing breast cancer: A cross-sectional study.

[PURPOSE] To identify the associations between dyadic coping, intimate relationship, and reproductive concerns among women of childbearing age with breast cancer, and explore whether intimate relationship serve as a mediator between dyadic coping and reproductive concerns.

[METHODS] A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2023 to February 2024 in a tertiary hospital in China. Using convenience sampling, 180 couples (people living with breast cancer of childbearing age and their spouses) were recruited. Data were collected using general information questionnaires, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, the Marital Adjustment Scale, and the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model was utilized to analyze the dyadic data. Statistical analyses were completed utilizing SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 28.0 software.

[RESULTS] Dyadic coping of people living with breast cancer and their spouses positively associated with their own and each other's intimate relationship. Spousal dyadic coping and intimate relationship of people living with breast cancer negatively associated with reproductive concerns. Additionally, the intimate relationship of people living with breast cancer mediated associated between dyadic coping of couples and reproductive concerns.

[CONCLUSIONS] The study highlights the significant association between couples' dyadic coping and patients' reproductive concerns. In a supportive and collaborative environment, couples tend to better address reproductive health challenges, and this is associated with greater psychological well-being and relationship satisfaction. Further research is needed to explore how dyadic coping impacts reproductive outcomes and to develop customized interventions for couples facing reproductive challenges.