Cognitive tasks challenging brain tumor survivors at work

J Occup Environ Med. 2013 Dec;55(12):1426-30. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3182a64206.

Abstract

Objective: To identify problematic work tasks involving cognitive function in employed brain tumor survivors.

Methods: Work tasks involving cognitive functions were compared between employed brain tumor survivors (n = 137) and a disease-free group (n = 96). Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted.

Results: In the brain tumor survivors, 44% (26/59) of work tasks were more likely to be problematic. Top five problematic work tasks included were as follows: following the flow of events (odds ratio [OR] = 11.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.19 to 43.07), remembering train of thought while speaking (OR = 11.70; 95% CI = 5.25 to 26.10), putting together materials for a task (OR = 10.90; 95% CI = 2.80 to 42.38), shifting between tasks (OR = 10.71; 95% CI = 3.62 to 31.74), and following written instructions (OR = 9.96; 95% CI = 2.65 to 37.41).

Conclusion: Findings identified problematic work tasks involving major domains of cognitive function.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention
  • Brain Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology*
  • Comprehension
  • Executive Function
  • Female
  • Glioma / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term
  • Meningioma / psychology*
  • Mental Processes*
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health
  • Workplace / psychology