Employment productivity and cancer-related psychological symptoms among adult cancer dyads

Objective To explore cancer survivors' and caregivers' presenteeism (work performance) and absenteeism (missed work), and associations with work performance in the prior year and psychological symptoms (depressive and anxiety symptoms, symptom severity). Methods Cross-sectional baseline data of a larger trial were analyzed to explore associations between absenteeism and presenteeism with prior work performance and psychological symptoms. Results Among survivors (N = 309) and caregivers (N = 306), increased depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with decreased work performance; survivors' anxiety was associated with absenteeism. Prior work performance was associated with better current work performance among survivors and caregivers. In survivors only, prior work performance was associated with reduced current absenteeism. Conclusions Experiencing depressive and anxiety symptoms may decrease survivors' and caregivers' work performance. Addressing these symptoms may help survivors and caregivers improve work performance.