Factors Associated with Stress among Korean Cancer Survivors with an Occupation: Cross-sectional Descriptive Study Based on National Data

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with stress among Korean cancer survivors who are employed. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive methodology was applied, and secondary analysis was performed using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 to 2018. A total of 245 employed cancer survivors were included, and data were analyzed using either the x2 test or the independent t-test, as well as multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Four factors were found to be associated with stress among employed cancer survivors: age (Odds Ratio [OR]=0.96, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=0.94~0.98), gender (with men less likely to be stressed; OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.23~0.91), self-rated health status (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.03~2.02), and having planned suicide in the previous year (OR=22.98, 95% CI=2.10~251.83). Conclusion: To facilitate a successful return to work for cancer survivors, it is necessary to develop a stress intervention and/or rehabilitation program that comprehensively considers sociodemographic characteristics, current health status, health behaviors, and mental health.