Cognitive limitations in occupationally active malignant brain tumour survivors

Abstract

Background: Occupationally active malignant brain tumour survivors (MBTS) are rarely studied. However, cognitive limitations with the potential to impact work are commonly reported in MBTS. Aims: To obtain a better understanding of factors that are associated with cognitive limitations in employed MBTS. Methods: The study was performed by means of a web-based survey. Occupationally active MBTS (n = 113) and a non-cancer comparison group (n = 123) were recruited. While accounting for demographics, medical factors, health behaviours and problem-solving orientation, the relationship among measures of symptom burden (fatigue, depression and anxiety) and cognitive limitations were investigated. Results: MBTS (average 4 years post-diagnosis) reported higher levels of physical fatigue (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.001) and anxiety (P < 0.01). MBTS reported more overall cognitive limitations (P < 0.001), memory (P < 0.001), executive function (P < 0.001) and attention (P < 0.001) deficits. Education (B = -3.4, 95% CI = -6.7 to 0.1), ethnicity (B = 5.2, 95% CI = 0.6-9.8), job stress (B = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.5-6.4), depressive symptoms (B = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.1-1.3) and negative problem solving (B = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.5-7.0) were also associated with higher levels of cognitive limitations in both groups. Conclusions: Occupationally active MBTS report higher levels of cognitive limitations. However, modifiable factors were related to cognitive limitations in both groups and should be considered when developing approaches to improve cognitive limitations in the workplace. © The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved.