Perceived work self-efficacy, and characteristics of return to work in women survivors of breast cancer at two reference centers in Colombia

Abstract

Objective: Return to work and permanence in employment of women who survive breast cancer are topics that become important as incidence and survival rates increase. Self-ef-ficacy as a modifiable element is of special interest in this process. The objective of this study is to measure the level of self-efficacy in female breast cancer survivors, according to sociodemographic, work and treatment characteristics and their relationship with return to work. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, based on a survey of breast cancer patients about their demographic and work characteristics, the return to work process, permanence in the same job and the level of work self-efficacy. Differences in the level of self-efficacy with respect to characteristics were evaluated using bivariate analyses and hypothesis statistical testing. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and twenty-four women were included, 87.9% had returned to work, the majority (56.4%) between one and six months after treatment, 67.7% remained in the same job. Higher levels of work self-efficacy were related to a higher probability of returning to work and staying there, and a shorter time to return to work; these differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: Occupational health and risk prevention services must consider and strength-en work self-efficacy and organizational support in breast cancer survivors to achieve a successful return to work.