Asefa Tseganesh, Bitew Gedamnesh, Tezera Hiwot, Tesfaye Winta
Department of Medical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia.
Front Oncol. 2024 Nov 1;14:1480246. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1480246. eCollection 2024.
Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent issue affecting 50-90% of cancer patients who experience fatigue at diagnosis, during therapy, and often for months or years after the completion of therapy. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of cancer-related fatigue, associated factors, and adult cancer patients' experiences at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia.
A mixed-method study was conducted from February 25 to May 15, 2023, via cross-sectional descriptive and phenomenological approaches. The validated Amharic Brief Fatigue Inventory scale and semistructured interview guide were used. The data were processed via Epi-data version 4.4.3.1 and SPSS version 24, with logistic regression analysis. The interview records and field notes were transcribed and translated from Amharic to English and then analysed thematically.
All participants (100%) completed the study, with 77.4% reporting significant fatigue. Fatigue was strongly associated with uninsured medical expenses (P = 0.008, OR = 3.22), late-stage cancer (P = 0.000, OR = 6.11), anaemia (P = 0.009, OR = 3.71), and comorbidities (P = 0.000, OR = 7.22). From the in-depth interviews with 16 participants, two main themes emerged: financial strain (giving up basics, and inability to work) and disease progression (intensified symptoms, increased treatment side effects, and managing multiple conditions).
This study revealed that 77.4% of cancer patients experience significant fatigue, which is linked to a lack of medical insurance, late-stage cancer, anaemia, and comorbid conditions. Financial strain limits access to care, whereas disease progression and managing multiple conditions intensify fatigue. Early intervention, financial support, and integrated care are crucial for reducing fatigue and improving quality of life. Future research should focus on multicentre and longitudinal studies to improve generalizability and track fatigue progression over time.
癌症相关疲劳是一个普遍存在的问题，影响着50%-90%的癌症患者，这些患者在诊断时、治疗期间以及治疗结束后通常数月或数年都会经历疲劳。本研究旨在探讨埃塞俄比亚哈瓦萨大学综合专科医院癌症相关疲劳的患病率、相关因素以及成年癌症患者的经历。
2023年2月25日至5月15日，采用横断面描述性和现象学方法进行了一项混合方法研究。使用了经过验证的阿姆哈拉语简明疲劳量表和半结构化访谈指南。数据通过Epi-data 4.4.3.1版和SPSS 24版进行处理，并进行逻辑回归分析。访谈记录和现场笔记被转录并从阿姆哈拉语翻译成英语，然后进行主题分析。
所有参与者（100%）完成了研究，77.4%的参与者报告有明显疲劳。疲劳与无医保医疗费用（P = 0.008，OR = 3.22）、晚期癌症（P = 0.000，OR = 6.11）、贫血（P = 0.009，OR = 3.71）和合并症（P = 0.000，OR = 7.22）密切相关。通过对16名参与者的深入访谈，出现了两个主要主题：经济压力（放弃基本生活需求和无法工作）和疾病进展（症状加重、治疗副作用增加以及应对多种病情）。
本研究表明，77.4%的癌症患者经历明显疲劳，这与缺乏医疗保险、晚期癌症、贫血和合并症有关。经济压力限制了获得医疗服务的机会，而疾病进展和应对多种病情则加剧了疲劳。早期干预、经济支持和综合护理对于减轻疲劳和提高生活质量至关重要。未来的研究应侧重于多中心和纵向研究，以提高普遍性并跟踪疲劳随时间的进展。
