Fear of progression in patients with cervical precancerous lesions: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background FOP is a psychological experience of excessive fear that threatens the mental and physical health of patients, resulting in poor treatment outcomes and decreased quality of life. This study aimed at investigating the associations among anxiety, coping modes, and FOP in patients with cervical precancerous lesions. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that includes 167 patients with cervical precancerous lesions. Patients filled out the FOP Questionnaire, the Self‑Rating Anxiety Scale, and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire. The parallel mediation analysis was used to evaluate the mediating role of different coping styles in the relationship between anxiety and FOP. Results The scores of FOP in patients with precancerous cervical lesions was 27.84±10.51.. The potential predictors of FOP among patients were anxiety (β=0.175, P=0.015), confrontation (β=-0.188, P =0.009), avoidance (β=0.229, P =0.002), resignation (β=0.181, P <0.001), family history of cervical cancer (β=0.221, P =0.001). Parallel mediation results show that confrontationand resignation played the mediating role in the relationship between anxiety and FOP. Conclusion As expected, Anxiety, confrontation, avoidance, resignation, and family history of cervical cancer are potential predictors of FOP in patients. The results of parallel mediation showed that confrontation and resignation played a mediating role in the relationship between anxiety and FOP.. The results suggest that medical staff need to give them professional medical knowledge and guide them to adopt appropriate and positive coping styles.