Factors Associated with Fatigue in Patients with Hematological Malignancies Undergoing Chemotherapy

ABSTRACT

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.