Factors Associated with Fatigue in Patients with Hematological Malignancies Undergoing Chemotherapy

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors associated with fatigue in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy. Method: A total of 90 patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. Simple regression analysis was performed using total, physical, emotional, and cognitive fatigue as dependent variables. On the other hand, the patient’s sex, age, blood test findings, physical function, activities of daily living (ADL), performance status, presence or absence of anxiety or depression, physical symptoms, and nutritional status were used as independent variables. Multiple regression analysis was conducted with the items that showed significant differences in the simple regression analysis as independent variables. Results: Multiple regression analysis with total fatigue as the dependent variable identified depression as an associated factor. Additionally, physical fatigue was noted to be associated with pain and depression, while emotional fatigue was reported to be associated with ADL and depression. Conclusion: Our results suggest that patients with hematological malignancies who have symptoms of fatigue should be managed taking in consideration possible causes of their fatigue, such as depression, pain, and ADL.

The Effect of a Behavior Change Intervention with Feedback on Motor Function and Physical Activity for Patients with Hematological Malignancies Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Historical Controlled Study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention that applied a behavioral change approach to the usual rehabilitation for patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy were divided into two groups: patients who underwent conventional rehabilitation (control group, n=12) and a counterpart who received a behavioral change intervention with feedback on motor function and physical activity (feedback group, n=13). We analyzed the changes in motor function and physical activity between the two groups from the start of rehabilitation to discharge. Results: There were a significant difference in walking speed between baseline and discharge. Changes in weekly steps were significantly higher in the feedback group than those in the control group. Conclusion: A behavioral change intervention with feedback on motor function and physical activity may improve voluntary exercise in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy.