Objective: Cognitive function problems are among the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Individuals continue to experience cognitive dysfunctions after the treatment end. Individuals who survive breast cancer experience daily life problems as a result of cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cognitive functions of individuals with breast cancer on chemotherapy, ending on the activity performance, and activity participation of individuals in daily life.
Material and Methods: In the study, 35 women with breast cancer between 18 and 65 years of age and whose chemotherapy was terminated, were included. The Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MOBID) was used to evaluate cognitive functions, the Canadian activity performance scale (KAPÖ) was used to determine activity performance and problem areas, and the disability assessment scale (WHODAS-2) was used to evaluate the activities they had difficulty in participating in.
Results: As a result of the evaluations, it was observed that the areas of executive functions, naming, attention, abstract thinking, delayed recall, and orientation were affected in breast cancer individuals whose chemotherapy was terminated. A positive and significant (P < ,05) correlation was found between the cognitive functions affected and the activity performances and satisfaction of the individuals, and a negative and significant (P < ,01) correlation with the activity participation.
Conclusion: Cognitive rehabilitation practices are very important for improving the quality of life, supporting participation, and improving the performance of cancer patients after chemotherapy.
Cite this article as: Akdemir G, Ünsal E, Tarakcı D, Bilici A, Ölmez FÖ, Yıldız Ö. The effect of cognitive functions after chemotherapy on activity performance and social participation in breast cancer patients. Arch Health Sci Res. 2021;8(3):189-195.