A cross-sectional study entitled "Assessment of Cancer-Related Fatigue on the lives of patients" conducted at National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Ahsania Mission Cancer & General Hospital, Mirpur 13, Dhaka, and Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka among 267 cancer patients, has assessed the level of Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF), using The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACT-F), version 4, evaluates the socioeconomic impact and explores the distressing symptom on patients' functioning and Quality of Life. Data was collected by face to face interview using a Pre-tested Semi-structured questionnaire. Among 267 patients, 55.8% were male & 44.2% female. The majority (40.1%) cancer patients were in 36-55 age group. The mean age was 46.11 (SD ± 16.548) years, with minimum age 16 & maximum 83 years. [...]
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
1. Socio-demographic Characteristics of The Respondents
2. Cancer & Cancer Treatment Related Informations of Respondents
3. Patients' Physical Wellbeing Related Informations
4. Patients' Family/Social/Financial Wellbeing Related Informations
5. Patients' Emotional Wellbeing Related Informations
6. Patients' Functional Wellbeing Related Informations
7. Assessment of Fatigue Level Using FACT-F SCALE
8. Association between Fatigue level and Sex group of the Respondents
9. Association between Fatigue level and Education of the Respondents
10. Association between Fatigue level and Income of the Respondents
11. Association between Fatigue level and Duration of Illness
12. Association between Fatigue level and Duration of Treatment
13. Association between Fatigue level and Cancer Stage of the Patients
14. Association between Fatigue level and Anaemia Stage of the Patients
15. Association between Fatigue level and Different Modalities of Anti-Neoplastic Treatment
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
The primary objective of this research is to assess the prevalence and severity of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) among patients, exploring its impact on their quality of life, socio-economic status, and functional capacity, while investigating potential correlations between fatigue levels and various demographic, clinical, and treatment-related variables.
- Measurement of fatigue intensity using the FACT-F Scale (version 4).
- Evaluation of the impact of CRF on physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
- Identification of socio-economic and clinical factors associated with fatigue.
- Assessment of the relationship between different anti-neoplastic treatment modalities and fatigue levels.
Excerpt from the Book
INTRODUCTION
Fatigue is the most prevalent symptom of individuals with cancer who receive radiation therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, or biological response modifiers (Stone P, Robinson KD, 2000). It was accepted by the International Classification of Disease (10th Revision, Clinical modification in 1999).
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF), defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, NCCN) as "a distressing persistent subjective sense of physical, emotional or cognitive tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment that is not proportional to recent activity & interferes with usual functioning" (www.nccn.org/fatigue/pdf, 26 April 2009).
Cella & Colleagues defines CRF as "a subjective state of overwhelming & sustained exhaustion & decreased capacity for physical & mental work that is not relieved by rest".
The European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) defines fatigue as" a subjective feeling of tiredness, weakness or loss of energy".
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides a formal definition and clinical context of cancer-related fatigue, highlighting its prevalence and impact on patient quality of life.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Details the cross-sectional study design, sampling techniques, and the use of the FACT-F scale to collect data from 267 cancer patients at three hospital sites in Dhaka.
RESULTS: Presents comprehensive statistical data on demographic characteristics, cancer types, treatment modalities, and the prevalence of fatigue across various patient categories.
DISCUSSION: Interprets the study findings by comparing them with existing literature on cancer-related fatigue and its association with clinical and psychological factors.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes the study's implications, noting the high prevalence of fatigue and the urgent need for better assessment and management strategies to improve patient quality of life.
Keywords
Cancer-Related Fatigue, CRF, FACT-F Scale, Oncology, Quality of Life, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Socio-demographic factors, Anaemia, Functional Wellbeing, Emotional distress, Clinical assessment, Cancer treatment, Palliative care, Symptom management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on the assessment of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and its significant impact on the daily lives, physical health, and emotional stability of cancer patients.
Which specific aspects of patient life are being investigated?
The study examines physical, social, financial, emotional, and functional wellbeing to determine how fatigue interferes with a patient's normal activities.
What is the main research goal?
The main goal is to evaluate the level of fatigue using the FACT-F scale and to identify correlations between fatigue and factors such as age, income, cancer stage, and treatment modalities.
What scientific methodology was employed?
The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research design, involving face-to-face interviews with 267 cancer patients and a review of their medical records.
What topics are covered in the main section of the document?
The main section covers the socio-demographic profile of respondents, detailed fatigue assessments, and statistical associations between fatigue levels and variables like sex, income, and cancer stage.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Cancer-Related Fatigue, FACT-F, Oncology, Quality of Life, and Patient Wellbeing.
What does the study reveal about the association between fatigue and income?
The study found a statistically significant association between monthly income and the severity of fatigue experienced by the patients.
How does the cancer stage influence fatigue levels in this patient cohort?
The research concludes that fatigue levels are significantly associated with the cancer stage of the respondents, with higher stages often correlating with different fatigue experiences.
Is there a correlation between the type of anti-neoplastic treatment and fatigue?
The findings indicate that fatigue levels were not found to be significantly associated with the different modalities of anti-neoplastic treatment (chemotherapy vs. surgery vs. radiotherapy) in this specific cohort.
- Quote paper
- Ishrat Eshita (Author), 2017, Assessment of Cancer-Related Fatigue on the Lives of Patients, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/353056
