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Brief self-report measure of work-related cognitive limitations in breast cancer survivors

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to develop a brief, reliable self-report measure of work-related cognitive limitations in occupationally active breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A pooled dataset of working breast cancer survivors (n = 228) completed a self-report measure of work-related cognitive limitations, the Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work-59 (CSC-W59). A cross-validation technique was employed such that the pooled participants were randomized into two separate groups in order to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the CSC-W59 with one group (n = 114) and confirm the results with the second group (n = 114).

Results

EFA of the CSC-W59 identified 21 items with a consistent factor loading of .4 or higher on three separate subscales (Working Memory, Executive Function, and Task Completion). These findings resulted in a 21-item, self-report measure referred to as the Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work-21 (CSC-W21). The CSC-W21 demonstrated internal reliability (α = .88). Construct validity of the CSC-W21 is supported by significant positive correlations with cancer stage, job stress, and affective state.

Conclusions

Brief, valid, internally reliable self-report measures such as the CSC-W21 may be used to quickly assess work-related cognitive problems for breast cancer survivors at work.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

A brief measure is available to help identify tasks that present problems for breast cancer survivors who are at work. This measure can be used to facilitate research to improve the understanding and mitigation of cognitive challenges in breast cancer survivors in the work setting.

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Financial disclosures

There are no financial disclosures from any authors.

Funding Sources

This research was supported by the Cancer Survivorship Fund, Henry M. Jackson Foundation, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Alicia Ottati

  2. Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology and Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA

    Michael Feuerstein

Authors
  1. Alicia Ottati
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  2. Michael Feuerstein
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Feuerstein.

Additional information

The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as being official or as reflecting the views of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences or the Department of Defense.

Appendix A: Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work-21 item (CSC-W21)

Appendix A: Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work-21 item (CSC-W21)

Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work-21 item (CSC-W21)

Please read each of the following items below. They describe problems that you may or may not experience at work.

Item:

Yes

No

1. I have difficulty remembering what I intended to write

  

2. I have difficulty remembering my train of thought as I am speaking

  

3. I have difficulty remembering the content of telephone conversations

  

4. I have difficulty remembering the content of conversations and/or meetings

  

5. I have difficulty remembering a word I wish to say

  

6. I have difficulty remembering the name of a familiar object or person

  

7. I have difficulty remembering information that is “on the tip of my tongue”

  

8. I have difficulty remembering things someone has asked me to do

  

9. I have difficulty understanding a system

  

10. I have difficulty understanding how a task fits into a plan or system

  

11. I have difficulty knowing where to look for information to solve a problem

  

12. I have difficulty understanding systems and models

  

13. I have difficulty figuring out how a decision was reached

  

14. I have difficulty using new information to re-evaluate what I know

  

15. I have difficulty considering all aspects of what I hear and see instead of focusing on only one part

  

16. I have difficulty understanding what a problem is when it occurs and clearly stating what the problem is

  

17. I have difficulty following the flow of events

  

18. I have difficulty understanding graphs and flowcharts

  

19. I have difficulty completing all steps of a task or activity

  

20. I have difficulty staying with a task until completion

  

21. I have difficulty putting steps in order such that the most important steps are done first

  

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Ottati, A., Feuerstein, M. Brief self-report measure of work-related cognitive limitations in breast cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 7, 262–273 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-013-0275-9

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