Work status reduction and cost-related nonadherence during cancer treatment Journal Article


Authors: Doherty, M.; Finik, J.; Blinder, V.
Article Title: Work status reduction and cost-related nonadherence during cancer treatment
Abstract: Many cancer patients experience a reduction in work status during cancer treatment. Authors analyzed cross-sectional survey data from U.S. cancer patients and survivors to examine the relationship between reduced work status and cost-related nonadherence, defined as skipping or forgoing medical treatments or medications due to cost. Of 381 respondents who were working at the time of diagnosis, 143 reported a reduction in work status during treatment. Age, racial identity, level of education, and treatment type were associated with reductions in work status. Respondents who reduced work status had higher odds of engaging in cost-related nonadherence than those with stable employment. Authors conclude that reduced work status is associated with nonadherence that can undermine treatment benefit and lead to disease progression. This association is troubling given that African American respondents were more likely to report reduced work status during treatment, potentially exacerbating existing cancer health disparities. To reduce treatment nonadherence, social workers should assess for potential employment problems and be prepared to intervene through counseling, community resource referrals, and direct financial assistance. Social workers should be aware of how structural racism is reproduced through inequitable labor policies and practices that have direct implications for health and access to care.
Keywords: treatment; risk; survivors; survivorship; distress; impact; association; care; adherence; employment; burden; cancer; financial toxicity; medication nonadherence
Journal Title: Health & Social Work
Volume: 47
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0360-7283
Publisher: Oxford University Press  
Date Published: 2022-05-01
Start Page: 123
End Page: 130
Language: English
ACCESSION: WOS:000767473200001
DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlac004
PROVIDER: wos
PUBMED: 35253845
PMCID: PMC9226655
Notes: Article -- Source: Wos
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  1. Victoria Susana Blinder
    112 Blinder