Korean J Psychosom Med.  2020 Dec;28(2):126-134. 10.22722/KJPM.2020.28.2.126.

Needs and Related Factors for Return-to-Work Support in Cancer Survivors

• Lee S
• Lee KM
• Oh GH
• Yeom CW
• Jung S
• Hahm BJ

• KMID: 2510464
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22722/KJPM.2020.28.2.126

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.

Keyword

Cancer survivors; Needs; Psychological distress; Return-to-work.