Little is known about return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors (CSs) in Central and Southern Europe. This study investigates the RTW rate of Italian CSs, describes their sick leave (SL) pattern, and explores factors affecting their RTW process. Methods A population-based cross-sectional survey involving CSs registered at the Cancer Registry of Reggio Emilia Province (Italy) was launched in July 2016. Eligibility was restricted to individuals with first diagnosis of cancer in 2012 (stages I–III), aged 20–59, and employed at the time of diagnosis. Results Of the 266 individuals interviewed, 140 (52.6%) were reintegrated without difficulty, 113 (42.5%) returned to work with some difficulty, and 13 did not RTW (4.9%). The majority of CSs (56%) took SL for some periods during treatment. Age > 50 years and higher income seemed to facilitate RTW (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.88 and RR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.97, respectively), while being divorced acted as a barrier compared to being married (RR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.04–2.01). Individuals uncertain about the type of company they were working for reported greater difficulty in RTW (RR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.03–2.72). Individuals who had undergone chemotherapy and those perceiving physical limitations had a higher risk of difficulty in the RTW process (RR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.42–2.24 and RR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.25–2.02, respectively). Conclusions Most CSs did RTW, with 2/3 combining work and treatment. However, almost half reported difficulty in RTW process. Factors affecting this process should be addressed throughout context-specific social and healthcare pathways aimed at preventing difficulties and potential job loss in this population.

Factors influencing return to work of cancer survivors: a population-based study in Italy / Paltrinieri, Sara; Vicentini, Massimo; Mazzini, Elisa; Ricchi, Elena; Fugazzaro, Stefania; Mancuso, Pamela; Giorgi Rossi, Paolo; Costi, Stefania. - In: SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER. - ISSN 0941-4355. - 28:(2020), pp. 701-712. [10.1007/s00520-019-04868-0]

Factors influencing return to work of cancer survivors: a population-based study in Italy

Paltrinieri, Sara;Mazzini, Elisa;RICCHI, ELENA;Costi, Stefania
2020

Abstract

Little is known about return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors (CSs) in Central and Southern Europe. This study investigates the RTW rate of Italian CSs, describes their sick leave (SL) pattern, and explores factors affecting their RTW process. Methods A population-based cross-sectional survey involving CSs registered at the Cancer Registry of Reggio Emilia Province (Italy) was launched in July 2016. Eligibility was restricted to individuals with first diagnosis of cancer in 2012 (stages I–III), aged 20–59, and employed at the time of diagnosis. Results Of the 266 individuals interviewed, 140 (52.6%) were reintegrated without difficulty, 113 (42.5%) returned to work with some difficulty, and 13 did not RTW (4.9%). The majority of CSs (56%) took SL for some periods during treatment. Age > 50 years and higher income seemed to facilitate RTW (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.88 and RR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.97, respectively), while being divorced acted as a barrier compared to being married (RR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.04–2.01). Individuals uncertain about the type of company they were working for reported greater difficulty in RTW (RR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.03–2.72). Individuals who had undergone chemotherapy and those perceiving physical limitations had a higher risk of difficulty in the RTW process (RR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.42–2.24 and RR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.25–2.02, respectively). Conclusions Most CSs did RTW, with 2/3 combining work and treatment. However, almost half reported difficulty in RTW process. Factors affecting this process should be addressed throughout context-specific social and healthcare pathways aimed at preventing difficulties and potential job loss in this population.
2020
25-mag-2019
28
701
712
Factors influencing return to work of cancer survivors: a population-based study in Italy / Paltrinieri, Sara; Vicentini, Massimo; Mazzini, Elisa; Ricchi, Elena; Fugazzaro, Stefania; Mancuso, Pamela; Giorgi Rossi, Paolo; Costi, Stefania. - In: SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER. - ISSN 0941-4355. - 28:(2020), pp. 701-712. [10.1007/s00520-019-04868-0]
Paltrinieri, Sara; Vicentini, Massimo; Mazzini, Elisa; Ricchi, Elena; Fugazzaro, Stefania; Mancuso, Pamela; Giorgi Rossi, Paolo; Costi, Stefania...espandi
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
09.04.19_SC_08.04.19_05042019Paltrinieri_Manuscript (3rev).doc

Open access

Descrizione: pre-print
Tipologia: Versione originale dell'autore proposta per la pubblicazione
Dimensione 160.5 kB
Formato Microsoft Word
160.5 kB Microsoft Word Visualizza/Apri
VQR_Factors influencing return to work of cancer survivors.pdf

Accesso riservato

Tipologia: Versione pubblicata dall'editore
Dimensione 5.42 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
5.42 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia
Pubblicazioni consigliate

Licenza Creative Commons
I metadati presenti in IRIS UNIMORE sono rilasciati con licenza Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal, mentre i file delle pubblicazioni sono rilasciati con licenza Attribuzione 4.0 Internazionale (CC BY 4.0), salvo diversa indicazione.
In caso di violazione di copyright, contattare Supporto Iris

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11380/1177656
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 7
  • Scopus 19
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 20
social impact