Ehsan Ahmed Yahia
Cairo University, Egypt
Title: Physiologicl correlates of fatigue among metstatic breast cancer patients
Biography
Biography: Ehsan Ahmed Yahia
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Fatigue is one of the most reported problems among metastatic breast cancer patients. The causes beyond cancer-related fatigue may be the cancer and/or the cancer treatment. The purpose of this research was to explore the physiological correlates of fatigue among patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Sample: The sample was composed of 30 adult female with metastatic breast cancer.
Instruments: The Rhoten Fatigue Scale (RFS) was used to determine the levels of fatigue among the study sample. The midpoint of the Pearson Byars Fatigue Feeling Checklist was utilized to measure clinical fatigue. Biological indicators were also assessed.
Results: The patients' responses to the instruments used in this study indicated no significant relationship between fatigue and age, stage of disease, course of treatment, or psychological status. There was a positive relationships between levels of fatigue and inflammatory markers. A positive relationship was found between cumulative cytokine exposure and fatigue. Study also found that there is a strong relationship between oxidative stress indicators and level of fatigue. The best predictors of fatigue in the patient sample were their symptom distress and mood disturbance. Symptom distress and fatigue were significant predictors of impairment in functional activities related to illness.
Conclusion: Determining the correlates of metastatic breast cancer fatigue is a crucial for this category of patients who continue to experience fatigue as a chronic health issue. Implications for nursing practice are discussed.