Body image and its influencing factors in colorectal cancer patients with a stoma: a latent profile analysis

Aim To identify the underlying profiles of postoperative body image in patients with colorectal cancer who have undergone stoma surgery and to analyze the factors influencing these profiles, thereby providing a basis for developing targeted intervention strategies. Methods A convenience sample of 349 colorectal cancer patients with a stoma receiving treatment at a Grade A tertiary hospital in Anhui Province was selected as the study population. Data were collected using a general questionnaire, the Body Image Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Ostomy Adjustment Inventory-23, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was used to identify latent profiles of body image, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed to explore their influencing factors. Results A total of 332 valid questionnaires were collected in this study, representing a response rate of 95.1%. Body image among colorectal cancer patients with a stoma can be classified into three subtypes: low body image disturbance-emotional stability group (31.7%), moderate body image disturbance-cognitive regulation group (39.4%), and high body image disturbance-social avoidance group (28.9%). Age, gender, place of residence, educational level, stoma complications, time since stoma creation, social support, anxiety and depression, stoma adaptation, and illness perception were identified as factors influencing the latent profiles of body image among colorectal cancer patients with a stoma. Conclusion The study findings suggest that body image among patients with colorectal cancer who have a stoma exhibits significant heterogeneity within the population. Healthcare professionals can identify patients with different body image profiles at an early stage and develop targeted nursing interventions to alleviate body image disturbances and promote the restoration of social functioning and reintegration.