Relationship between fatigue status and physical activities level of lung cancer patients treated by chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective To analyze the fatigue status and physical activities level of lung cancer patients treated by chemotherapy in order to search for the effective intervention methods. Methods A total of 191 lung cancer patients treated by chemotherapy were investigated by filling out questionnaires. The relationship between fatigue status and physical activities level were analyzed. Results 11.52% patients did not feel fatigue, while 43.98% , 46.07% and 38.22% patients felt mild, moderate and heavy fatigue before chemotherapy. After receiving chemotherapy, 15.71% , 46.07% and 38.22% patients felt mild, moderate and heavy fatigue. The fatigue degree increased when patients were receiving chemotherapy （X2 = 16.36,P 〈0. 05）. All patients had low and moderate level of physical activity, majority patient were at the low level （67.02%）. 93.19% patients failed to meet the physical activity guide standard of American Cancer Society. There was a negative correlation between the fatigue degree and physical activities level （ P 〈 0. 05 ）. Conclusions The fatigue degree increased in lung cancer patients when they are receiving chemotherapy, and most of them were at low physical activities level. Targeted nursing and activities instruction are essential methods to ease the fatigue and improve recovery outcomes of the patients. Key words: Lung cancer; Antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Cancer-related fatigue; Physical activities level