Primary Study On Morbidity Of Fatigue And Its Associated Factors In Cancer Survivors

Background: With the development of cancer therapy, the survival time of cancer patients is prolonged significantly. Epidemiological data indicate that the number of cancer survivors is growing. However, fatigue is a common symptom in cancer patients and survivors, and is also an important aspect in influencing their quality of life.Objective: To investigate the prevalence of fatigue in cancer survivors, explore its associated factors and evaluate the clinical application value of the Fatigue Symptom Inventory brought in Chinese version.Methods: A survey was undertaken with cancer survivors from the units directly affiliated to Anhui Provincial People's Government who had the medical insurance. The survivors were invited to the clinic to be interviewed between July 1st and August 31st, 2006. This study used self-administered questionnaire containing demographic and cancer characteristics and current physical status. The interview was performed by trained investigator. Fatigue was measured by the Fatigue Symptom Inventory and meanwhile we tested the reliability and validity of the Fatigue Symptom Inventory in Chinese version in order to evaluate its clinical application value.Results: 118 objects of the 202 eligible survivors completed the questionnaire and the response rate was 58.4%. Of the 118 cases, 63 had fatigue and 55 had no fatigue. In the fatigued group, the degree score of fatigue was 2.84±1.47, its duration was 3.51±1.73 and its interference was 2.12±1.73. The morbidity of fatigue was associated with the number of complications and comorbidities and whether or not the participants exercised regularly (P<0.05), rather than demographic and cancer characteristics. All the three domains mean scores were lower for the participants with regular exercise. The Chinese version of Fatigue Symptom Inventory has good reliability, validity and responsibility.Conclusion: The morbidity of fatigue was lower in those who had fewer complications and comorbidities and exercised regularly. It's necessary to treat complications and comorbidities and encourage survivors to excise regularly in order to improve their fatigue status. The Chinese version of Fatigue Symptom Inventory is considered appropriate to assess fatigue in Chinese cancer patients and survivors.