Premium
Factors associated with returning to work in head and neck cancer survivors in Singapore: A preliminary exploratory mixed‐methods approach study
Author(s) -
Rangabashyam Mahalakshmi,
Koh Shu Qing,
Sultana Rehena,
Tan Ngian Chye,
Iyer N. Gopalakrishna,
Soo Khee Chee,
Fenwick Eva,
Lamoureux Ecosse,
Tan Hiang Khoon
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.26644
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck cancer , odds ratio , logistic regression , confidence interval , multivariate analysis , cross sectional study , odds , exploratory research , physical therapy , cancer , pathology , sociology , anthropology
Background Little is known about return‐to‐work (RTW) among Asian head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with RTW among HNC patients with in Singapore. Methods In this cross‐sectional mixed‐methods study, 80 HNC patients, who had been working prior to diagnosis, completed questionnaires and 15 participated in qualitative interviews to explore perceived barriers and facilitators of RTW. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with not‐returning‐to‐work (NRTW) within 6 months of treatment completion. Results Thirty‐five participants reported NRTW 43.8%. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with advanced stage (III‐IV) cancer (odds ratios [OR] = 4.51, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.15–13.28, p = 0.006), multi‐modality treatment (OR = 4.62, 95% CI: 1.38–15.52, p = 0.013), and pink‐collar jobs (OR = 9.30, 95% CI: 1.70–50.83, p = 0.010) had higher odds of NRTW. Conclusion The factors associated with employment after HNC treatment are complex. Identification of key modifiable factors may lead to improved RTW outcomes.