Evaluation of The Effect of Fatigue on Functional Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the effect of fatigue levels on the functional quality of life in patients diagnosed with cancer and receiving chemotherapy. Method: It is a descriptive/correlational and cross-sectional research. Study Sample comprised 100 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The fatigue and functional quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy was assessed using Piper Fatigue Scale and Functional Living Scale-Cancer, respectively. Results: More than half of the patients were female (62%) and middle-aged (56.53 +/- 13.56). Thirty one percent of the subjects were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 64% were at stage IV cancer. Piper Fatigue Scale score was found 4.13 +/- 3.06. Functional Living Scale score of the patients was 107.90 +/- 27.37. The study determined that variables such as gender, education level, employment status, personal perceptions of health status, type of cancer, stage of cancer, being hospitalized during chemotherapy, performance status, and personal perceptions for coping styles were associated with the functional quality of life (p<0.05). The perception of fatigue was associated with education level, employment status, personal perceptions for health status; type of cancer, stage of cancer, being hospitalized during chemotherapy, performance status, and personal perceptions for coping styles (p<0.05). A statistically significant, negative and high correlation was found between Piper Fatigue Scale and Functional Living Scale score averages (r=-0.88, p<0.01). Conclusion: High fatigue levels have a negative impact on patients' functional status, preventing them from performing the activities of daily living. Interventions to effectively control factors causing fatigue of cancer patients are vital to promote patients' functional life quality.