Effect of Therapeutic Massage on Fatigue among Children with Leukemia following Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy that adversely affects patient's sense of wellbeing, activities, relationships and tolerance to treatment. This study aimed to determine the effect of therapeutic massage on fatigue in children with leukemia following chemotherapy. A quasi- experimental research design was used to conduct the study. The study was conducted at Pediatric Oncology Department in South Egypt Cancer Institute in Assiut University and Pediatric Oncology Department at Sohag Cancer Center. A convenience sample of 66 children with leukemia of aging 4- 16 years were divided into two groups study and control group (33 children for each group). Sample was collected for a period of 6 months. Two tools were utilized in the study, Sociodemographic and clinical interview questionnaire was developed to assess data about children and Multidimensional fatigue scale was used to assess level of fatigue among the studied children. The study revealed that, highly statistical significant difference was found between both groups in relation to fatigue scores at p= 0.000. Conclusion: Children with leukemia who are receiving therapeutic massage were experiencing less incidence and severity of fatigue than those who are receiving only the routine hospital care. Recommendations: Encourage health care professionals to use therapeutic massage techniques to reduce chemotherapy induced fatigue in children.