C9
Predictors of return to work in cancer survivors
Elizabeth Grunfeld, Lorna Rixon, Emma Eaton, Pauline Martin, Alethea Cooper
King's College London, London, UK
Background
There are an increasing number of working-aged cancer survivors who plan to return to work following treatment. This was a theory driven prospective investigation of factors predicting return to work among cancer survivors.
Method
A consecutive sample of 331 cancer patients were recruited after completing treatment and sent a questionnaire comprising a Theory of Planned Behaviour measure, the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire (R), quality of life (EORTC) and a measure of time to return to work.
Results
231 patients (63%) completed a questionnaire pack both at baseline (mean of 3 weeks, range 2 to13 weeks after treatment) and 6 months post-treatment. Of these 174 patients who had returned to work at baseline and form the basis of this analysis. Lower behavioural control (β= 0.339, P = 0.001) was associated with an intention to delay returning to work but not with return to work behaviour. Beliefs that cancer had more serious consequences (β = 0.220, P = 0.022) and holding more negative attitudes towards return to work (β= -0.214, P= 0.025) were associated with a slower return to work. Higher global quality of life at baseline was associated with a quicker return to work (β = -0.217, P = 0.001)
Conclusion
The findings highlight the role of beliefs and attitudes in return to work behaviour. The study has implications for an intervention targeting illness representations and attitudes and control beliefs associated with return to work.
Acknowledgments
This study was funded through a project grant from Cancer Research UK (C8303/A6130).
