Table 4 Results of multivariate generalized estimating equation of factors associated with the change in physical functioning after breast surgery (N = 120)

Age*

-0.33

-0.79;0.11

0.44

Marital status

Married

-8.55

-14.3;2.73

< 0.001

Education level

Secondary school or higher

-0.16

-7.29;6.97

0.96

Employment

No

1.81

-5.46′9.09

0.62

Nationality

Lebanese

3.84

-3.35;11.03

0.29

BMI*

-0.59

-1.13;-0.05

0.30

Menopause

No

-0.98

-10.19;8.23

0.83

Comorbidities

No

0.21

-3.45;3.88

0.90

Family history of BC

No

2.03

-3.29;7.36

0.45

Stage

I

7.14

-0.28;15.41

0.12

Tumor size

T1

10.3

5.60;13.20

0.44

Lymph node status

N0

-1.12

-6.25;3.99

0.66

Physical functioning*

-0.30

-0.54;-0.06

0.01

Body image score*

0.06

-0.07;0.21

0.36

Future perspective*

0.08

-0.00;0.16

0.06

General fatigue*

-0.52

-1.51;0.47

0.30

Physical fatigue*

0.39

-0.64;1.42

0.46

Reduced activity*

-0.75

-1.48;-0.02

0.05

Reduced Motivation*

-0.65

-1.90;0.59

0.30

Mental fatigue*

0.09

-1.15;1.35

0.87

LOT global score *

0.22

-0.13;0.58

0.22