Effects of occupational therapy on quality of life in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The objective was to discuss the impact of occupational therapy on different domains of quality of life in breast cancer patients. We performed a literature search to identify articles published before June 27, 2023, using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to discuss the impact of occupational therapy on different domains of quality of life in breast cancer patients. DATA SOURCES: We performed a literature search to identify articles published before June 27, 2023, using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. METHODS: This study was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Randomized controlled trials that reported the effects of occupational therapy on quality of life in breast cancer patients were identified. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, extracted data, and determined risks of bias. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses. Galbraith plots, meta-regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were used to identify heterogeneity in treatment effects. RESULTS: Eight studies were included, with a total of 543 patients. The experimental group exhibited better global health (pooled SMD = 0.640, 95% CI = 0.251-1.028, P = .001), physical health (pooled SMD = 0.640, 95% CI = 0.251-1.028, P = .019), social health (pooled SMD = 0.251, 95% CI = 0.011-0.490, P = .040), and cognitive function (pooled SMD = 0.863, 95% CI = 0.266-1.460, P = .05) and improve fatigue (pooled SMD = -0.389, 95% CI = -0.586 to -0.192, P = .000), and role function (pooled SMD = 0.287, 95% CI = 0.029-0.546, P = .029) than the control group. The 2 groups exhibited comparable emotional health (pooled SMD = 0.243, 95% CI = -0.051 to 0.536, P = .105) and pain (pooled SMD = -0.312, 95% CI = -0.660 to 0.036, P = .079). CONCLUSION: The current evidence shows that occupational therapy can improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients, especially their global health, physical health, social health, cognitive function, fatigue, and role function.