Fear of Complications Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Latent Profile Analysis

Aim: This study aimed to identify latent profiles of fear of complications among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes and to examine factors associated with these profiles. Methods: A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit patients with type 2 diabetes from a single tertiary hospital endocrine department for a cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, Chinese version of the Fear of Complications Questionnaire, Diabetes Distress Scale, and EuroQol Five-Dimension Three-Level Scale. Latent profile analysis was performed to classify fear of complications, and group differences were examined using univariate analyses. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to explore potential associations between related factors and group classification. Results: A total of 324 valid questionnaires were collected. Individuals with fear of complications were categorized into three potential groups: low fear-stable (30%), moderate fear-complication-focused (47%), and high fear-high-risk vulnerable (23%). Multinomial logistic regression showed that, compared with the low fear-stable group, the presence of complications ( OR = 2.591, P < 0.05), insulin therapy ( OR = 4.490, P < 0.01), higher diabetes distress ( OR = 2.822, P < 0.01), and poorer quality of life ( OR = 0.010, P < 0.05) were independently associated with membership in the high fear-high-risk vulnerable group. Conclusion: Fear of complications among patients with diabetes exhibits significant categorical characteristics. These profiles differ in diabetes distress and quality of life, highlighting the potential value of stratified psychosocial interventions and complication-focused educational programs. Routine screening for fear of complications using validated brief tools may help healthcare professionals identify high risk patients early and provide targeted care support, particularly for the high fear-high-risk vulnerable group. Future research should prioritize this population and develop scientifically effective and targeted intervention programs. Keywords: fear of complications, quality of life, latent profile analysis, diabetes distress