Identifying Themes for Assessing Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: Topic Modeling and Qualitative Content Analysis of Public Online Comments

Abstract

Background Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common and significant adverse effect of cancer and its therapies. However, its definition and assessment remain difficult due to limitations of currently available measurement tools. Objective This study aims to evaluate qualitative themes related to the cognitive effects of cancer to help guide development of assessments that are more specific than what is currently available. Methods We applied topic modeling and inductive qualitative content analysis to 145 public online comments related to cognitive effects of cancer. Results Topic modeling revealed 2 latent topics that we interpreted as representing internal and external factors related to cognitive effects. These findings lead us to hypothesize regarding the potential contribution of locus of control to CRCI. Content analysis suggested several major themes including symptoms, emotional/psychological impacts, coping, “chemobrain” is real, change over time, and function. There was some conceptual overlap between the 2 methods regarding internal and external factors related to patient experiences of cognitive effects. Conclusions Our findings indicate that coping mechanisms and locus of control may be important themes to include in assessments of CRCI. Future directions in this field include prospective acquisition of free-text responses to guide development of assessments that are more sensitive and specific to cognitive function in patients with cancer.