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Translational Brain Mapping at the University of Rochester Medical Center: Preserving the Mind Through Personalized Brain Mapping
Published on: August 12, 2019
Work productivity in brain tumor survivors
Michael Feuerstein1, Jennifer A Hansen, Lisseth C Calvio
1Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA. mfeuerstein@usuhs.mil
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|July 12, 2007
Summary
Malignant brain tumor survivors experience more work limitations. Modifiable factors like fatigue and cognitive issues significantly impact their ability to work, highlighting areas for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Malignant brain tumors significantly impact survivors' quality of life.
- Work limitations are a common challenge for cancer survivors, affecting their economic stability and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between symptom burden and work limitations in individuals with a history of malignant brain tumors.
- To identify factors associated with work limitations among brain tumor survivors compared to a non-cancer control group.
Main Methods:
- A web-based questionnaire was administered to working adults with malignant brain tumors (n=95) and a non-cancer comparison group (n=131).
- Data collected included demographics, tumor characteristics, symptom burden (fatigue, emotional distress, cognitive limitations), and work-related factors (health behaviors, problem-solving).
Main Results:
- Malignant brain tumor survivors reported significantly higher work limitations and time off work compared to controls.
- While survivors exhibited higher symptom burden and poorer health behaviors, these factors did not differentially predict work limitations between groups.
- Depressive symptoms, fatigue, cognitive limitations, sleep disturbances, and negative problem-solving orientation independently predicted 65% of the variance in work limitations.
Conclusions:
- Modifiable factors, including psychological and behavioral elements, are key drivers of work limitations in brain tumor survivors.
- Interventions targeting fatigue, emotional distress, cognitive function, sleep, and problem-solving strategies may help mitigate work limitations in this population.
