Latent profile analysis of uncertainty in illness and eating self-efficacy in patients with gastric cancer and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Background: Patients with gastric cancer frequently experience substantial psychological burden throughout diagnosis and treatment. Uncertainty in illness and eating self-efficacy are two key determinants of psychological adjustment and rehabilitation. However, prior research has predominantly relied on variable-centered approaches, with limited attention to within-population heterogeneity and its correlates among patients with gastric cancer. Objective: This study aimed to identify latent profiles of uncertainty in illness and eating self-efficacy among patients with gastric cancer and to examine factors associated with profile membership. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey and recruited 426 patients with gastric cancer via convenience sampling from two tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, between September and December 2025. Results: Two latent profiles were identified: a Low Uncertainty in Illness-High Eating Self-efficacy profile and a High Uncertainty in Illness-Low Eating Self-efficacy profile. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, using the high uncertainty in illness-low eating self-efficacy class as the reference, health information avoidance, interoceptive sensitivity, male sex, retirement status, lower income, and urban residence were significantly associated with a greater likelihood of belonging to the High Uncertainty in Illness-Low Eating Self-efficacy profile, whereas a history of alcohol consumption was associated with a greater likelihood of belonging to the Low Uncertainty in Illness-High Eating Self-efficacy profile. Conclusion: These findings suggest that clinicians should deliver stratified, individualized psychological support and nutrition counseling to facilitate patients' psychological adjustment and rehabilitation.