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To identify distinct dyadic coping patterns among prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and their spouses using a person-centred approach, and to explore factors associated with these patterns to inform the development of personalised interventions.
A cross-sectional, observational study design.
A total of 223 patient-spouse dyads were recruited from two tertiary urology departments in Guangdong Province, China, between October 2024 and August 2025. All participants completed a general information questionnaire and the Dyadic Coping Inventory. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct coping profiles. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to examine factors associated with profile membership.
Among 223 patient-spouse dyads, four distinct dyadic coping profiles were identified: Efficient Coping (12.0%), Ambivalent Coping (30.0%), Stable Coping (53.8%), and Coping Distress (4.0%). The small Coping Distress subgroup (n = 9) was excluded from further analysis. Higher dyadic coping levels were associated with patient education of high school or above, absence of tumour recurrence, sufficient patient-perceived family support, low-to-moderate spouse-perceived medical burden, frequent dyadic communication, and sufficient spouse-perceived friend/colleague support. Spouse-perceived insufficient family support was unexpectedly associated with better dyadic coping.
Dyadic coping patterns among prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and their spouses are heterogeneous. Healthcare professionals should identify distinct dyadic coping characteristics and provide personalised nursing interventions based on the key influencing factors identified in this study.
This study provides a person-centred classification framework for dyadic coping in couples undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, enabling nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver targeted, stratified psychosocial care. Early identification of vulnerable couples, particularly those in the ambivalent coping subgroup, helps prevent maladaptive coping and alleviate psychological distress. By addressing modifiable factors including communication, family support, and caregiver burden, clinical practice can more effectively improve the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of both patients and their spouses throughout androgen deprivation therapy.
This study adheres to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines (STROBE) for cross-sectional studies.
Patients and their spouses were involved in the design of the study by providing feedback on the clarity and relevance of the questionnaire items during a pilot phase. They also participated in data collection by completing the self-report measures, and their input informed the interpretation of the findings related to dyadic coping experiences.
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