Experience of Fatigue and Coping Strategies among Cancer PatientsReceiving Chemotherapy at a Tertiary Level Hospital: A DescriptiveCross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, fatigue is one of the most common distressing symptoms. To deal with them, adequate coping strategies are required. This study aimed to find out the fatigue experience and coping strategies among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 162 cancer patients of age 20 years or above receiving at least the 2nd cycle of chemotherapy at a tertiary-level hospital, Kathmandu, using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected from September 8 to October 5, 2024, using the Fatigue Symptom Inventory and Brief Cope Scale. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional review committee of the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (ref. no. 245) and Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine (ref. no. 082). Data analysis was done by using chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results: Among 162 cancer patients, 145 (89.5%) had clinically meaningful fatigue, and 79 (48.8%) had inadequate coping strategies. Fatigue experience and coping strategies were found to be negatively correlated (r = -0.186, p value = 0.018). Age, sex, educational status, and physical exercise were associated with fatigue experience, and age, level of education, ethnicity, occupation, smoking, and ECOG performance status were associated with coping strategies with a p-value < 0.05.

Conclusions: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy tend to experience fatigue and have adequate coping strategies. Those cancer patients who experience fatigue tend to have inadequate coping and vice versa. Implementing education programs and lifestyle support can improve coping and reduce fatigue