The relationship between latent classes of illness uncertainty and anticipatory grief in family caregivers of patients with advanced digestive cancer

Abstract Purpose To explore the latent classes of illness uncertainty in family caregivers of patients with advanced digestive cancer, and to analyze the influence of different latent classes on their levels of anticipatory grief. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among family caregivers of patients with advanced digestive cancer by convenient sampling method. The self-compiled general information questionnaire, Mishel illness uncertainty Scale for Family Member (MULS-FM), Anticipatory Grief Scale (AGS), Perceptive Social Support Scale (PSSS), and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) were used to investigate them. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the latent classes of illness uncertainty. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influence of different latent classes of illness uncertainty on anticipatory grief. Results Three latent classes were identified: intermediate-level-unpredictability group (24.4%), middle-upper-level- stability group (48.4%), and high-level-complexity group (27.2%), and only the high-level-complexity group can positively predict anticipatory grief, In addition, education level, age, individual average monthly income, coping style, perceptive social support, and current residence were also important influencing factors for family caregivers of patients with advanced digestive cancer. Conclusion There were obvious classification characteristics of illness uncertainty in family caregivers of patients with advanced digestive system cancer. Our findings may lay a theoretical and practical foundation for the subsequent precise intervention of illness uncertainty to improve anticipatory grief in family caregivers.