Predictors of quality of life among adults with self-reported cancer related cognitive impairment

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the unique contribution of personal and medical factors, objective and subjective cognition, and self-efficacy to the explained variance of quality of life (QoL) among survivors with self-reported cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI).

Method: Seventy-three cancer survivors (non-central nervous system) with CRCI (mean age: 50.85 ± 10.82 years old, mean years post-treatment: 3 ± 2.7) participated in this cross-sectional study. QoL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-GP, while the cognitive function was assessed both objectively using tests of attentional control, speed of processing and sustained attention, and subjectively using the FACT-Cognition perceived cognitive impairments (FACTcog-PCI) subscale. Self-efficacy was assessed using the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSE).

Results: A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sustained attention, perceived cognitive impairment and self-efficacy, accounted for 54% of the variance of QoL (R² = 0.543, p < 0.000), each providing a unique contribution to the explained variance (15-20% each) after controlling for age and gender.

Conclusions: Considering that these variables may be amenable to change, this model can serve as a conceptual framework for designing effective cognitive treatment options for CRCI. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCTImplication for rehabilitationCancer related cognitive impairment is characterized by difficulties in the speed of processing performance, severe perceived cognitive impairments, and relatively low general self-efficacy.Multi-dimensional assessments including subjective and objective cognition as well as self-efficacy should be administered to cancer survivors with cognitive complaints to understand the underlying mechanisms of their QoL.Integrative cognitive rehabilitation interventions that aim to improve QoL among people with cancer-related cognitive impairment should target sustained attention, perceived cognitive impairment, and self-efficacy.