Study on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Taiwan
Author Information
Author(s): Yeh En-Tien, Lau Shu-Chuen, Su Wei-Ju, Tsai Duu-Jian, Tu Ying-Yueh, Lai Yuen-Liang
Primary Institution: Cardinal Tien Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the proposed ICD-10 criteria for diagnosing cancer-related fatigue in Taiwanese cancer patients.
Conclusion
The prevalence of diagnosable cancer-related fatigue in the sample was found to be 49.8%, indicating a need for better diagnostic criteria.
Supporting Evidence
- 86% of patients reported significant fatigue.
- 132 out of 265 patients met the criteria for cancer-related fatigue.
- The study used a reliable diagnostic tool with a Cronbach alpha of 0.843.
Takeaway
Many cancer patients feel very tired, and this study found that about half of them have a serious type of tiredness called cancer-related fatigue.
Methodology
Patients were recruited from outpatient and inpatient oncology and palliative care settings, and fatigue was assessed using the ICD-10 criteria.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reporting and exclusion of certain patient groups.
Limitations
The sample may not represent all cancer patients in Taiwan, as those with cognitive impairments were excluded.
Participant Demographics
64% of participants were women; various cancer types were represented, including breast and GI tract cancers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.033 for breast cancer, 0.035 for GI tract cancer
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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