Metacognitions associated with reproductive concerns: A cross-sectional study of young adult female cancer survivors in China

• Published in: Frontiers in psychology 2022-09, Vol.13, p.987221-987221
• Main Authors: Xiao, Pan Pan, Ding, Si Qing, Duan, Ying Long, Luo, Xiao Fei, Zhou, Yi, Cheng, Qin Qin, Liu, Xiang Yu, Xie, Jian Fei, Cheng, Andy SK
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cancer survivors; female; metacognitions; Psychology; reproductive concerns; young adult
• ISSN: 1664-1078; 1664-1078
• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.987221

ObjectiveCancer and its treatments affect patients' fertility potential. This study examined the prevalence of reproductive concerns and their relationship with metacognitions among Chinese young adult female cancer survivors (YAFCS). MethodsA total of 318 YAFCS (aged 18-39) completed an online survey from March to December 2021. Participants reported sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive concerns and metacognitions. Reproductive concerns were measured using the Reproductive Concerns after Cancer scale (RCAC), and metacognitions were measured by the Short Form of Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30). We used Pearson correlation analysis to examine associations between metacognitions and reproductive concerns across multiple domains and multivariable linear regression to determine the influencing factors of reproductive concerns. ResultsThe mean score of reproductive concern among YAFCS was 49.97 ± 12.52. A total of 57.9% of participants reported a high level of concern regarding at least one dimension of reproductive concerns, and they were most concerned about their child's health and least concerned about partner disclosure of fertility status. We also found a moderate association between RCAC and MCQ-30 scores (r = 0.408, p