Exploration of Relationships Between Symptoms, Work Characteristics, and Quality of Life in Young Adult Hematologic Cancer Survivors

J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2022 Oct;11(5):530-534. doi: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0135. Epub 2021 Dec 8.

Abstract

This study explores relationships between individual, microsystem (work) characteristics, and quality of life (QOL) among young adult (YA; ages 20-39 years at diagnosis) hematologic cancer survivors. Forty YAs who had completed cancer therapy within the past 5 years were recruited through social media and completed an online survey. Poorer QOL was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and poorer work ability and financial health (all p < 0.05). A comprehensive understanding of work characteristics, including work ability, may lead to multilevel interventions improving QOL. Future research should include larger, more diverse samples of YA cancer survivors.

Keywords: hematologic cancer; quality of life; symptoms; work; work ability; work environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cancer Survivors* / psychology
  • Hematologic Neoplasms*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology
  • Young Adult