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. 2018 Oct:36:32-39.
doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2018.08.006. Epub 2018 Aug 22.

Distinct attentional function profiles in older adults receiving cancer chemotherapy

Inger Utne  1 , Borghild Løyland  1 , Ellen Karine Grov  1 , Hege Lund Rasmussen  1 , Ann Helen Torstveit  1 , Bruce A Cooper  2 , Judy Mastick  2 , Melissa Mazor  2 , Melisa Wong  3 , Steven M Paul  2 , Yvette P Conley  4 , Thierry Jahan  3 , Christine Ritchie  3 , Jon D Levine  3 , Christine Miaskowski  5
Affiliations

Distinct attentional function profiles in older adults receiving cancer chemotherapy

Inger Utne et al. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2018 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose: While attentional function is an extremely important patient outcome for older adults, research on changes in function in this group is extremely limited. The purposes of this study were to: identify subgroups of older patients (i.e., latent growth classes) based on changes in their level of self-reported attentional function; determine which demographic and clinical characteristics were associated with subgroup membership; and determine if these subgroups differed on quality of life (QOL) outcomes.

Methods: Older oncology outpatients (n = 365) who were assessed for changes in attention and working memory using the Attentional Function Index a total of six times over two cycles of chemotherapy (CTX). QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form 12 and the QOL-Patient Version Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify subgroups of older adults with distinct attentional function profiles.

Results: Three distinct attentional functional profiles were identified (i.e., low, moderate, and high attentional function). Compared to the high class, older adults in the low and moderate attentional function classes had lower functional status scores, a worse comorbidity profile and were more likely to be diagnosed with depression. In addition, QOL scores followed an expected pattern (low class < moderate class < high attentional function class).

Conclusions: Three distinct attentional function profiles were identified among a relatively large sample of older adults undergoing CTX. The phenotypic characteristics associated with membership in the low and moderate latent classes can be used by clinicians to identify high risk patients.

Keywords: Attentional function; Chemotherapy; Cognitive function; Latent profile analysis; Older adults.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1–
Figure 1–
Attentional Function Index trajectories for patients in each of the latent classes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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