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. 2021 Aug;29(8):4303-4309.
doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05950-8. Epub 2021 Jan 7.

Relationship of perceived everyday cognitive function and work engagement in breast cancer survivors

Diane Von Ah  1 , Adele Crouch  2
Affiliations

Relationship of perceived everyday cognitive function and work engagement in breast cancer survivors

Diane Von Ah et al. Support Care Cancer. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) who represent approximately 3.5 million survivors in the USA frequently report ongoing cognitive dysfunction that may impact work outcomes. However, little is known about how perceived everyday cognitive function may affect work engagement (a measure of work efficacy and work well-being) in BCS who have completed treatment.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived everyday cognitive function and work engagement in BCS.

Methods: A convenience sample of 68 employed BCS seen at a Midwest NCI-Cancer Center who were at least 1-year post-treatment, completed a cross-sectional questionnaire assessing demographic and medical characteristics, and perceived everyday cognitive function (Everyday Cognition Scale) and work engagement (Utrecht Work Engagement Scale). Descriptive statistics, Pearson's r, and separate regression models controlling for age and education were used to analyze the data.

Results: BCS who were on average 52 (SD = 8.6) years old, 5 (SD = 3.8) years post-treatment, and primarily employed full-time (79%) participated. A subset of BCS (12%) identified poorer everyday cognitive function after BC diagnosis and treatment. Everyday cognition, including subscales vigor and dedication, were correlated with work engagement (p˂0.01), controlling for age and education.

Conclusions: Findings indicate the important role of perceived everyday cognitive function in work engagement well into survivorship. Reducing cognitive dysfunction may be an important area for future intervention research to support BCS who return to work.

Implications to practice: Healthcare providers need to assess and address perceived cognitive dysfunction to promote work-related outcomes in BCS well into survivorship.

Keywords: Breast cancer survivors; Everyday cognitive function; Work ability; Work engagement; Work productivity.

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References

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    1. Von Ah D (2015) Cognitive changes associated with cancer and cancer treatment: state of the science. Clin J Oncol Nurs 19(1):47–56
    1. Ahles TA, Root JC, Ryan EL (2012) Cancer- and cancer treatment-associated cognitive change: an update on the state of the science. J Clin Oncol 30(30):3675–3686 - PubMed - PMC
    1. Von Ah, D., et al., Cancer, cognitive impairment and work-related outcomes: an integrative review. Oncology Nursing Forum., 2016. 43(5)

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