The effect of a fatigue self-management program based on individual and family self-management theory in cancer patients: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the Fatigue Self-Management Program based on the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory on fatigue, daily living activities, and well-being in cancer patients.

Methods

This randomized controlled single-blind experimental study was carried out between November 2020 and April 2022. A total of 94 patients with advanced cancer, 47 in each group, were included in the study, and 57 participants completed the study. Data were collected using the Brief Fatigue Inventory, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, and Well-Being Questionnaire-22. The Fatigue Self-Management Program based on Individual and Family Self-Management Theory was delivered to the intervention group with two face-to-face and two tele-monitoring sessions. No intervention was applied to the control group, who received only routine care.

Results

The mean score of fatigue in the intervention group compared to the control group decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (p < .05); daily living activities mean scores were higher than the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference (p > .05). The mean scores of depression and anxiety in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group; energy, positive well-being, and general well-being mean scores were found to be higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < .05).

Conclusions

The Fatigue Self-Management Program effectively reduces the fatigue experienced by cancer patients and increases their well-being but it does not increase their independence in daily living activities.

Clinical trial registry

NCT04822220