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.