Fatigue Experience and Coping Strategies among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Cancer is considered one of the foremost common causes of death. Fatigue is among the distressing symptoms for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Adequate coping is essential for individual to deal with the effects of cancer related treatment. The objective of the study was to find out the fatigue experience and coping strategies among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The samples was taken from day care and medical oncology ward of BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur. A total of 120 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy of 18 years and above were selected by using non probability consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected by using standard tool, Fatigue Symptom Inventory and Brief Cope. Data analysis was done by descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The study revealed that 82.5% of respondents had experienced fatigue and 50.8% respondents had used adequate coping strategies where “self distraction”(2.76±1.02) was the most used coping strategy by the respondents. Fatigue experience and coping strategies had negative correlation (r=-0.490, p=<0.001).Conclusions: Majority of the respondents had experienced fatigue, and half of the respondents used adequate coping strategies. The different methods of coping strategies for fatigue and chemotherapy related effects should be expanded as per the best available evidence to lower fatigue and other adverse effects.

Higher levels of stress and different coping strategies are associated with greater morning and evening fatigue severity in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy

“…Our finding that patients in both the Very High morning and evening fatigue classes used self-distraction to cope with fatigue is not unexpected. Self-distraction was identified as an effective coping strategy for fatigue in oncology patients during CTX [20], in patients with ESKD [44], and in healthy working adults [50]. Self-distraction may be used to shift the focus from fatigue without eliminating or treating the symptom [50].…”

“…Coping is often described in terms of the use of engagement (e.g., actively doing something to alter the stressor) or disengagement (e.g., avoidance) strategies [16][17][18]. In the four studies that examined the association between coping and fatigue during CTX, greater fatigue severity was associated with disengagement coping [19,20], while lower fatigue severity was associated with engagement coping [21,22], However, these studies did not examine the impact of cumulative exposure to SLEs on coping and fatigue. One study found that increased exposure to SLEs was associated with greater fatigue severity in women with breast cancer; however, the effects of coping were not evaluated [23].…”

Overview of Delivery of Cancer Care in Nepal: Current Status and Future Priorities

“…However, studies have shown significant fatigue and coping issues with patients with cancer in Nepal who are receiving chemotherapy. 27 Addressing the quality of life of these patients should be another important policy agenda for Nepal.…”

Energy conservation education intervention for people with end-stage kidney disease receiving haemodialysis (EVEREST): protocol for a cluster randomised control trial

“…The FSI has been used previously in a study on kidney failure population 45. This instrument was translated into the Nepali language, and has a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.79 46…”

“…45 This instrument was translated into the Nepali language, and has a Cronbach's alpha of 0.79. 46 Secondary outcomes Secondary outcomes are other CKD symptoms, occupational performance and HRQoL, which will be measured at Time 0 (Baseline) and Time 3 (Week 12).…”