Abstract:

Objective To explore the characteristics of health literacy levels and population differences among patients with cancer-related lymphedema，construct user portraits，and provide references for formulating cancer-related intervention measures. Methods Twelve patients with cancer-related lymphedema were selected according to the purpose sampling method，and semi-structured interviews were conducted based on Nutbeam Health Literacy Theory. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to obtain personal characteristics and self-management status of lymphedema of the patients. Based on the data analysis results，patient health literacy theme dimensions and tags were manually extracted for user clustering，and the visualization of portraits was completed based on the clustering results and WordArt software. Results Ultimately，four thematic dimensions of health literacy，namely functional health literacy，interactive health literacy，critical health literacy，and e-health literacy，as well as 15 thematic labels were extracted. Four typical portraits of the health literacy level of patients were the integration of knowledge and action，lack of practice，lack of skills and passive learning. Conclusion The group variances in health literacy levels among patients with cancer-related lymphedema can be tackled through precise and individualized intervention measures in accordance with the depicted patient profiles. In the future，a management platform can be established based on user profiles to boost efficiency and precision of care.

Key words: Cancer, Secondary lymphedema, Health literacy, User persona, Qualitative research