A fresh start: the impact of disease uncertainty and self-efficacy on readiness for return-to-work among young and middle-aged colorectal cancer patients with stoma

Abstract Purpose To explore the influence of disease uncertainty and self-efficacy on the readiness for return-to-work (RRTW) among young and middle-aged colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with stoma. Methods An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with stoma who had worked before their CSCdiagnosis. Demographicinformation, the Readiness for Return-To-Work Scale, the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Adults (MUIS-A), and the Stoma Self-Efficacy Scale (SSES) were used as the research instruments. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results The results showed that weekly working hours before the diagnosis and stoma self-efficacy promoted the advance of the level of patients' RRTW; yet, the lack of information and unpredictability dimensions of the disease uncertainty, post-operative time, and type of work hindered it. Conclusion In light of the theoretical framework and the impact of disease uncertainty and self-efficacy on RRTW, we suggest that healthcare staff should provide targeted occupational rehabilitation recommendations for patients at the different stages of RRTW and enhance the level of RRTW in terms of disease uncertainty and self-efficacy to boost the occurrence of returning-to-work. Furthermore, it is also critical to strengthen workplace support, appeal to the public to improve the tolerance of patients with stoma, and advocate the improvement of the healthcare system and the relevant social insurance system to help patients make a fresh start.