Occupational adjustments and work ability of young adult cancer survivors: results from the AYA-Leipzig study
2024

Work Ability and Occupational Adjustments in Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Sample size: 389 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Brock Hannah, Schröter Katharina, Friedrich Michael, Sender Annekathrin, Richter Diana, Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja, Geue Kristina, Leuteritz Katja

Primary Institution: University Medical Center Leipzig

Hypothesis

What is the work ability reported by adolescent and young adult cancer survivors and what occupational adjustments do they use?

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for targeted occupational counseling for young adult cancer survivors to improve their work ability and support their return to work.

Supporting Evidence

  • 88.8% of young adult cancer survivors returned to work after diagnosis.
  • 82.3% utilized occupational adjustments like flexible working hours and gradual reintegration.
  • Mean work ability score was 36.2, indicating a significant number reported poor to moderate work ability.

Takeaway

Young adults who survive cancer often need special help to get back to work, and many use different adjustments to make it easier for them.

Methodology

The study surveyed young adult cancer survivors who returned to work, assessing their work ability and the use of occupational adjustments through multivariate regression analysis.

Potential Biases

Higher education levels and female gender were overrepresented in the sample, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.

Limitations

The sample may not represent all young adult cancer survivors, as those who did not return to work were not included in the analysis.

Participant Demographics

Mean age at diagnosis was 29.9 years, with 75.3% female and a majority having completed more than 10 years of education.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.008

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s00432-024-06050-4

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