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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 5/2017

Open Access 01-05-2017 | Original Article

Quality of Working Life of cancer survivors: associations with health- and work-related variables

Authors: Merel de Jong, Sietske J. Tamminga, Monique H.W. Frings-Dresen, Angela G.E.M. de Boer

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 5/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to (1) describe the Quality of Working Life (QWL) of cancer survivors and (2) explore associations between the QWL of cancer survivors and health- and work-related variables.

Methods

Employed and self-employed cancer survivors were recruited through hospitals and patient organizations. They completed the Quality of Working Life Questionnaire for Cancer Survivors (QWLQ-CS) and health- and work-related variables in this cross-sectional study. The QWL scores of cancer survivors were described, and associations between QWL and health- and work-related variables were assessed.

Results

The QWLQ-CS was completed by 302 cancer survivors (28% male) with a mean age of 52 ± 8 years. They were diagnosed between 0 and 10 years ago with various types of cancer, such as breast cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, urological cancers, and haematological cancers. The QWL mean score of cancer survivors was 75 ± 12 (0–100). Cancer survivors had statistically significant lower QWL scores when they had been treated with chemotherapy or when they reported co-morbidity (p ≤ 0.05). Cancer survivors without managerial positions, with low incomes or physically demanding work, and who worked a proportion of their contract hours had statistically significantly lower QWL scores (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

This study described the QWL of cancer survivors and associations between QWL and health- and work-related variables. Based on these variables, it is possible to indicate groups of cancer survivors who need more attention and support regarding QWL and work continuation.
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Metadata
Title
Quality of Working Life of cancer survivors: associations with health- and work-related variables
Authors
Merel de Jong
Sietske J. Tamminga
Monique H.W. Frings-Dresen
Angela G.E.M. de Boer
Publication date
01-05-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3549-8

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