Structural equation modeling of factors influencing preventive intention for postoperative breast cancer-related lymphedema: based on health action process approach.

[BACKGROUND] Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is relatively common in postoperative breast cancer patients, requiring early, lifelong prevention. However, these patients often have low preventive behavioral intention, with unclear influencing factors, and their internal links urgently need a systematic analysis of these interrelationships.

[METHODS] A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 672 breast cancer survivors at different postoperative stages to collect sociodemographic data and psychological variables related to lymphedema preventive intention. After univariate analysis of sociodemographic data, binary logistic regression identified significant predictors of intention, and path analysis elucidated the directional relationships between psychological variables and preventive intention.

[RESULTS] Multidimensional interventions that strengthen lymphedema prevention knowledge and enhance self-efficacy, risk perception, and positive expectations are likely to increase the preventive behavioral intentions of breast cancer survivors and promote active self-management after hospital discharge.

[CONCLUSIONS] Multidimensional interventions that reinforce lymphedema prevention knowledge and enhance self-efficacy, risk perception, and positive expectation are likely to increase the preventive behavioral intention of breast cancer survivors and encourage active self-management after hospital discharge.