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The relationship between anemia and severity of fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
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Sharareh Zeighami Mohammadi1   , Pouri Houshmand2 , ², Fatemeh Djafari2 , Habibollah Esmaily3 , Mohammad Mahdi Kooshyar4 |
1- Department of Internal- surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran , zeighami@kiau.ac.ir
2- Department of Internal- surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3- Department of Biostatistics, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
4- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran |
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Abstract: (33818 Views) |
Background: Anemia is a common problem among patients with cancer, particularly among those undergoing chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between hemoglobin levels and severity of fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Materials and methods: This is a descriptive– correlative study that utilized a purposeful sampling. One hundred twenty one outpatients with cancer participated in this study. Data collected by interview. The instruments used included the sample selection and demographic data form, Fatigue Severity Scale, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Hemoglobin level was reviewed from medical records. Grading of anemia based on hemoglobin level according to the National Cancer Institute classification.
Results: Prevalence of anemia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy was 63.6 percent 57 percent had mild anemia and 6.4 percent had moderate to severe anemia. There were significant differences between mean score of severity of fatigue (p<0.001) and quality of life (p=0.003) in relation to hemoglobin level. There found negative significant correlation between hemoglobin levels and quality of life or severity of fatigue (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Anemia is prevalent among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, decreased hemoglobin levels are associated with increased fatigue and reduced quality of life. Nurses can help by appropriate intervention and patient's education about self care intervention to reduce anemia and fatigue and also improve quality of life. |
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| Keywords: Anemia, Neoplasm, Chemotherapy, Fatigue, Quality of life. |
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Full-Text [PDF 634 kb]
(9265 Downloads)
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Semi-pilot: Survey/Cross Sectional/Descriptive |
Subject:
Oncology
Received: 2011/02/12 | Accepted: 2013/05/28 | Published: 2013/05/28
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