Sociodemographic and disease-related determinants of return to work among women with breast cancer: a German longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundReturn to work (RTW) is a key parameter of outcome quality that ensures social participation. Therefore, this study analyses the sociodemographic and disease-related determinants of RTW among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.MethodsIn a prospective, multicentre cohort study, breast cancer patients were surveyed three times: directly after surgery, after 10weeks, and after 40weeks. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the association of RTW at 40weeks following discharge with sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics (n=577).ResultsThe sociodemographic variables entrance certificate at a university of applied science compared to university entrance certificate (OR=3.1, 95%-CI=1.2-8.1), age group 55-59years compared to 18-44years (OR=3.2, 95%-CI=1.2-8.4) and having children (OR=2.8, 95%-CI=1.2-6.2) as well as the disease-related variables rehabilitation (OR=0.5, 95%-CI=0.3-0.9), self-rated health good and excellent compared to bad (OR=2.7, 95%-CI=1.4-5.5; OR=11.6, 95%-CI=4.2-31.8) and the UICC-classification stage II and stage III/IV in comparison to stage 0/I (OR=0.5, 95%-CI=0.3-0.8; OR=0.2, 95%-CI=0.1-0.5) significantly affect RTW among breast cancer patients (Nagelkerke's Pseudo-R-2=0.275).ConclusionsThe findings show that significant differences in RTW exist between patient groups and suggest that RTW issues must be addressed more effectively before, during and after treatment. For future research on RTW in Germany, longitudinal studies with a follow-up of several years are necessary. Information and support deficits should be tackled by social services or breast care nurses.Trial registrationDatabase Health Services Research, VfD_PIAT_12_001630, registered 01.03.2012