ObjectiveTo investigate the current status and influencing factors of medical coping strategies in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to select 181 GIST patients who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2022 to May 2024. The Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) were administered for data collection. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was conducted to explore the influencing factors of the three types of medical coping strategies. ResultsMultivariate linear stepwise regression analysis showed that patients with tumor metastasis (P=0.016) and high support utilization (P=0.006) had higher score of confrontation coping. Patients with high education level (P=0.016) and subjective support (P=0.002) had higher score of avoidance coping. Patients with lower fear of physical health deterioration (P=0.003), high education level (P=0.010) and subjective support (P=0.027) had higher score of submission coping. ConclusionsThe influencing factors of medical coping strategies in GIST patients are complex, involving social support, disease-related fear, tumor metastasis, and education level. Providing comprehensive GIST-related knowledge and information to patients may help establish correct health beliefs and attitudes.