Objective: To find out the prevalence of cancer related fatigue (CRF) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) amongst gynecological cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy or concurrent chemo-radiation.
Material and Methods: This study included 194 gynecological cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy or concurrent chemo-radiation who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients’ fatigue was assessed using Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and quality of life (QoL) was measured using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scale.
Results: Severe fatigue was more prevalent in patients receiving chemotherapy [39/45 (86.66%)], and concurrent chemo-radiation (81/125 (64.8%)) as compared to radiotherapy (Moderate-8/24 (33.33%) and Severe-9/24 (37.5%)). Moderate correlations were exhibited between fatigue due to radiotherapy and QOL (r = -0.747, P < 0.01), whereas weak correlation was found between fatigue due to chemotherapy and moderate correlation in concurrent chemo-radiation (r = -0.311, P < 0.01 and r = -0.591, P < 0.01, respectively).
Conclusion: Severity of fatigue (CRF) was more in chemotherapy and concurrent chemo-radiotherapy patients while QoL was affected more after radiotherapy. CRF is a common and often underestimated distressful phenomenon. Adequate attention should be given from the beginning of treatment to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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