Factors Associated with Self-reported Memory Problems of Adult Cancer Survivors Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019

Abstract

Objectives: With the development of treatment technology, the percentage of cancer survivors has continued to increase. However, the cognitive decline these patients experience has been overlooked because it is not related to survival. This study investigated factors related to memory problems in patients with cancer. Methods: Using data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), this secondary data analysis study attempted to identify factors related to memory problems in cancer survivors. Of the 8,110 survey participants, there were 6,296 adults, aged 19 years or older. Of these, 357 were diagnosed with cancer. Four participants were excluded due to missing values for occupation, income, and body mass index (BMI). Finally, 353 subjects were included in the research analysis. The data were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS version 28.0. Results: 218 (61.8%) of the cancer survivors reported memory problems. Having a lower-than-average individual income (odds ratio, OR = 2.16, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.31-3.53, p= 0.003), smoking (OR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.16-8.72, p= 0.024), and depression (OR = 6.06, 95% CI = 1.33-27.57, p= 0.020) were significant potentiating factors. In contrast, having a job (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.05-0.67, p= 0.011), drinking (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.09-0.81, p= 0.021), and walking three to four days per week (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.03-0.81, p= 0.027) decreased memory problems. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that it is necessary to develop cognitive rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors.