Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients dyadic coping patterns: a latent profile analysis.

AIM: This study aims to identify latent subgroups of dyadic coping (DC) patterns among patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and examine factors associated with subgroup classification. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study was conducted from June 2023 to August 2024, enrolling 137 patients with NMOSD. Data were collected via standardized instruments: a demographic questionnaire, the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression screening, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed using Mplus 8.11 to identify coping subgroups, with distal outcomes (PHQ-9 and GAD-7) examined via the Bolck, Croon, and Hagenaars (BCH) method, followed by multivariate logistic regression to assess subgroup associated factor. RESULTS: Analysis of the positive and negative coping dimensions revealed three distinct profiles among 137 participants: LP-HN (Low positive-High negative coping, n = 22, 16.1%), MP-MHN (Moderate positive-Mild high negative coping, n = 46, 33.6%), and BC (Balanced coping, n = 69, 50.3%). Significant intergroup differences emerged in premorbid residential status, healthcare payment method, physical activity frequency, the score of PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Multivariate analysis identified healthcare payment method as a significant associated factor. BCH analysis of distal outcomes further demonstrated that the MP-MHN group exhibited the highest levels of anxiety and depression, despite maintaining moderate positive coping. CONCLUSION: NMOSD patients demonstrate heterogeneous DC patterns. The healthcare payment method identified as the key associated factor. The MP-MHN subgroup, with the highest psychological burden despite moderate positive coping, warrants prioritized interventions.