Needs and Related Factors for Return-to-Work Support in Cancer Survivors
10.22722/KJPM.2020.28.2.126
- Author:
Sungwon LEE
1
;
Kwang-Min LEE
;
Gyu-Han OH
;
Chan-Woo YEOM
;
Sanghyup JUNG
;
Bong-Jin HAHM
Author Information
1. Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
2020;28(2):126-134
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:：The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs for return-to-work support of cancer survivors and related factors in patients with cancer and their caregivers.
Methods:：182 patients and 114 caregivers were recruited. Distress Thermometer and Problem List and scale ranging 0~10 measuring the degree of needs for return-to-work support were utilized. The needs for return-towork support between the patient group and caregiver group (patient’s needs evaluated by the caregiver) were compared, and related factors were investigated using logistic regression analysis.
Results:：34.6% and 28.1% of patients and caregivers reported return-to-work support of cancer survivors is “very necessary”. The degree of needs was 6.60±3.365 points in the patient group and 6.17±3.454 points in the caregiver group, with no significant difference (p=0.282). The needs for return-to-work support evaluated by patients was high when they underwent surgery (OR=2.592, p=0.007), has fertility problems (OR=6.137, p=0.025), has appearance problems (OR=2.081, p=0.041), or has fatigue (OR=2.330, p=0.020). The needs for return-towork support of patients evaluated by caregivers was high when patients treated with breast cancer (vs respiratory cancer, OR=13.038, p=0.022 ; vs leukemia/lymphoma, OR=4.517, p=0.025 ; vs other cancer, OR=13.102, p= 0.019), has work/school problems (OR=4.578, p=0.005), or has depression (OR=3.213, p=0.022).
Conclusions:：The degree of needs for return-to-work support of cancer survivors was high, and factors related to the needs were different between the two groups. This suggests that return-to-work support of cancer survivors is required, and clinical characteristics, the distress of patients, and differences between patients and their caregivers should be considered in establishing a support plan.
