Long-term outcomes among localized prostate cancer survivors: prospective predictors for return-to-work three years after cancer rehabilitation

TY - JOUR

T1 - Long-term outcomes among localized prostate cancer survivors: prospective predictors for return-to-work three years after cancer rehabilitation

AU - Ullrich, Anneke

AU - Rath, Hilke Maria

AU - Otto, Ullrich

AU - Kerschgens, Christa

AU - Raida, Martin

AU - Hagen-Aukamp, Christa

AU - Bergelt, Corinna

N1 - © 2021. The Author(s).

PY - 2022/1

Y1 - 2022/1

N2 - PURPOSE: This study aimed at (1) investigating the work status of men treated by radical prostatectomy due to diagnosis of localized prostate cancer (LPCa) three years after having attended a cancer rehabilitation program and (2) identifying prospective risk factors for not working at this time point.METHODS: In a longitudinal, questionnaire-based multicenter study, 519 working-age LPCa survivors reported on their work status 12 and 36 months following rehabilitation. Chi-square tests/t tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify prospective factors associated with not working at 36 months follow-up.RESULTS: Nearly three quarter of LPCa survivors (N = 377, 73%) worked 3 years after post-acute rehabilitation. Most participants (N = 365, 71%) showed continuous return-to-work (RTW) patterns as they worked both 1 and 3 years following rehabilitation. Multivariable regression analysis revealed older age, low or middle socio-economic status as well as resigned and unambitious work behavior and fatigue at the time of attending the rehabilitation program to be prospective factors for not working at 36 months follow-up. Low socio-economic status [Odds ratio (OR) 4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.07-11.16] and unambitious work behavior [OR 4.48, 95% CI 2.16-9.31] were the strongest predictors.CONCLUSION: Long-term work retention is a realistic goal among LPCa survivors. The results contribute to the identification of at-risk LPCa survivors early in the RTW process. Special attention should be paid to social inequality. Further, interventions related to the management of fatigue and work-related coping styles could improve long-term RTW, as these were relevant, but potentially modifiable factors impeding work retention.

AB - PURPOSE: This study aimed at (1) investigating the work status of men treated by radical prostatectomy due to diagnosis of localized prostate cancer (LPCa) three years after having attended a cancer rehabilitation program and (2) identifying prospective risk factors for not working at this time point.METHODS: In a longitudinal, questionnaire-based multicenter study, 519 working-age LPCa survivors reported on their work status 12 and 36 months following rehabilitation. Chi-square tests/t tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify prospective factors associated with not working at 36 months follow-up.RESULTS: Nearly three quarter of LPCa survivors (N = 377, 73%) worked 3 years after post-acute rehabilitation. Most participants (N = 365, 71%) showed continuous return-to-work (RTW) patterns as they worked both 1 and 3 years following rehabilitation. Multivariable regression analysis revealed older age, low or middle socio-economic status as well as resigned and unambitious work behavior and fatigue at the time of attending the rehabilitation program to be prospective factors for not working at 36 months follow-up. Low socio-economic status [Odds ratio (OR) 4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.07-11.16] and unambitious work behavior [OR 4.48, 95% CI 2.16-9.31] were the strongest predictors.CONCLUSION: Long-term work retention is a realistic goal among LPCa survivors. The results contribute to the identification of at-risk LPCa survivors early in the RTW process. Special attention should be paid to social inequality. Further, interventions related to the management of fatigue and work-related coping styles could improve long-term RTW, as these were relevant, but potentially modifiable factors impeding work retention.

KW - Aged

KW - Cancer Survivors

KW - Child, Preschool

KW - Humans

KW - Infant

KW - Male

KW - Prospective Studies

KW - Prostate

KW - Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery

KW - Return to Work

KW - Survivors

U2 - 10.1007/s00520-021-06376-6

DO - 10.1007/s00520-021-06376-6

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 34392427

VL - 30

SP - 843

EP - 854

JO - SUPPORT CARE CANCER

JF - SUPPORT CARE CANCER

SN - 0941-4355

IS - 1

ER -