Fatigue Inventory Research Articles

The effect of hand massage on fatigue in women with cancer receiving brachytherapy: randomized clinical trial.

This randomized controlled study was conducted to analyze the effect of hand massage on the fatigue level of the women receiving brachytherapy. It was determined that 12 patients were included in each group (control and hand massage group), so 24 women with gynecologic cancer were included in the study. The application was performed on each hand for 5min, a total of 10min in hand massage group. Hand massage was applied before each brachytherapy (at the first, second, and third sessions, a total of three times) every other day for 1week in the hand massage group. No intervention was performed to the control group during the study. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). At the end of the brachytherapy, the fatigue severity score and impact of fatigue on activities of daily living scores of the group that applied hand massage were determined to be lower than the control group (p < 0.05). It was determined that hand massage effectively controlled fatigue and the impact of fatigue on activities of daily living. Hand massage is a safe and economical method that can be performed by certified nurses. This clinical trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06056713-09/21/2023).

Prevalence of cancer-related fatigue syndrome and its association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in adult patients with colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study.

To describe the prevalence of fatigue in adults with colorectal cancer (CRC). Additionally, to explore the associations and correlations between fatigue and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Patients with CRC at various phases of the disease were evaluated for fatigue using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), independence in activities of daily living using the Barthel index, perception of pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and performance status using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group criteria in a Chilean public hospital. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the variables. Chi-square and Spearman tests were utilized to evaluate associations between fatigue and other variables. Among 241 patients participate (mean age 68.9 ± 12.2years) and colon cancer was most common (66.4%). Fatigue was present in all disease phases, with moderate fatigue most prevalent (49.3%), followed by mild (24.2%) and severe (13.6%). Newly diagnosed patients had a higher proportion of severe fatigue (p = 0.04). Women experienced more moderate fatigue than men (p < 0.05). Patients with over three comorbidities and severe pain had higher severe fatigue (p < 0.05). Mood disorders were linked to more severe fatigue, while their absence was related to milder fatigue (p = 0.02). Musculoskeletal disorders correlated with moderate fatigue, while their absence correlated with mild fatigue (p < 0.01). Small positive correlations existed between fatigue and age (Rho = 0.15) and pain (Rho = 0.23) (p < 0.05). Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is highly prevalent in individuals with CRC and can be present throughout all phases of the disease. Early screening and management are recommended, prior to surgical treatment.

Validation of the scale compassion fatigue inventory in health professional Spanish-speaking: a cross-sectional study.

To validate the Compassion Fatigue Inventory in Spanish-speaking health personnel, its psychometric properties were tested, and the influencing factors were investigated. This was a cross-sectional validation study. Information was collected through a survey of 733 nurses, physician and medical residents using the Compassion fatigue Inventory (CFI), Secondary Traumatic Stress Questionnaire (CETS), The physician burnout syndrome scale (PhBS), the quality-of-life index (SQL -sp) and the reduced Moral Stress Scale (MMDHPr). The psychometric properties of the CFI were tested via exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and internal consistency analysis. The final version of the translated CFI was correlated with other scales. An EFA was performed to evaluate the translated CFI, resulting in 15 items in three dimensions, as reported in the literature: reduced compassion, social life, and workplace. The CFA showed good fit indices and psychometric values (Cronbach´s alpha = 0.87, Omega = 0.87, Comparative Fit Index = 0.99, Tucker Lewis = 0.99, root mean square error of approximation = 0.045, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.05). The CFI had a negative correlation with the SQL-sp and a positive correlation with the other subscales. Work experience is predictive of a small reduction in CFI scores. The adaptation of the CFI in a sample of Latino health professionals shows satisfactory psychometric indices in the evaluation of compassion fatigue and can be proposed as a specific inventory to differentiate compassion fatigue from other occupational syndromes.

Investigating the Comparative Effectiveness of Yoga and Relaxation Therapy on Restlessness, Fatigue and Difficulty Concentrating in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, leading to reduced quality of life and impaired physical and psychological functions. Objectives: This study aims to examine the relative efficacy of yoga and relaxation therapy in improving sleep disturbances, fatigue, and cognitive impairment among individuals diagnosed with MS. Methods: This study employed a semi-experimental research design, including a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up over three months. The target population comprised all MS patients referred to the Iranian MS Association in Tehran between July and November 2023. Sixty participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to research groups: Two yoga therapy groups with 17 participants each, a relaxation therapy group with 16 participants, and a control group with 18 participants. The yoga therapy group participated in twelve 90-minute sessions twice a week, while the control group received no intervention and was placed on a waiting list. Various tools, including the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI-O), and a concentration skills questionnaire, were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, MANCOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests with a significance level of 0.05, utilizing SPSS 27 software. Results: The study found a significant difference (P &lt; 0.001) in the restlessness factor in both the post-test and follow-up phases. Additionally, there was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.001) in the levels of physical fatigue, mental fatigue, decreased activity, and decreased motivation in both the post-test and follow-up phases, indicating significant changes in the fatigue factor among the research groups. However, there was no significant difference in the general fatigue component between the research groups. A significant difference (P &lt; 0.001) was also found in the concentration factor, particularly in the components of voluntary and involuntary concentration, during both the post-test and follow-up stages. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that both yoga and relaxation therapy techniques significantly reduce restlessness, physical tiredness, mental fatigue, decreased activity, and decreased motivation. Furthermore, the findings validate that both yoga and relaxation therapy techniques effectively enhance voluntary and involuntary concentration.

Effects of Baduanjin exercise on cancer-related fatigue in patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy in Shanghai, China: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and painful symptoms in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Moreover, PCa patients who receive the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are more...

Effects of nurse-led brief behavioral treatment for insomnia in adults: a randomized controlled trial.

We examined the effects of nurse-led brief behavioral treatment for insomnia (BBTI) on insomnia severity, sleep status, daytime function, quality of life, psychological distress levels, treatment response, and insomnia remission in young and middle-aged Asian adults with insomnia symptoms. This 2-parallel, randomized controlled trial recruited 42 participants with insomnia symptoms randomly allocated to the nurse-led BBTI group or sleep hygiene group. The outcome measurements included the Insomnia Severity Index, sleep diary, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, RAND-36 Health Status Inventory, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. The measurement time points included baseline, the end of each week of the intervention period, and 1-month follow-up. Compared with the sleep hygiene group, participants in the BBTI group had significantly improved insomnia severity, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and the mental components of quality of life after completing nurse-led BBTI immediately and 1 month later (P < .05). In addition, 52.4% and 71.4% of the participants achieved remission after completing nurse-led BBTI immediately and 1 month later, which was significantly higher than in the sleep hygiene group (14.3%, P = .02; 14.3%, P < .001, respectively). We suggested the relative effects of BBTI on declined insomnia severity and improved sleep status among young and middle-aged Asian adults with insomnia symptoms and confirmed the benefits of nurse-led BBTI in alleviating insomnia. Nurses should incorporate BBTI into insomnia care further to enhance the daytime function and quality of life of the population with insomnia symptoms. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Effects of Nurse-led Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05310136; Identifier: NCT05310136. Chang K-M, Lin C-J, Jan Y-W, etal. Effects of nurse-led brief behavioral treatment for insomnia in adults: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(11):1763-1772.

Effect of Music on Anxiety and Fatigue in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Anxiety and fatigue are symptoms typically experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. In dealing with these symptoms, listening to music may help patients. The randomized controlled study was conducted between May 1, 2022 and November 10, 2022 with 60 patients treated in the outpatient chemotherapy unit. The data were gathered using a patient information form, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. In addition to standard treatment and care, 30-minute music was played with a passive listening method in a total of three cycles of chemotherapy in the intervention group patients who completed the first cycle and visited for the second cycle of chemotherapy. According to the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) findings, the group variable significantly affected the post-test state anxiety scores when an adjustment was made for pre-test state anxiety scores (F=240.398, P<0.001, η²=0.808). In addition, pre-test state anxiety scores affected post-test results (F=7.925, P=0.007, η²=0.122). According to the ANCOVA findings, the group variable significantly affected the post-test trait anxiety scores (F=235.243, P<0.001, η²=0.805). In addition, pre-test trait anxiety scores affected post-test results (F=34.977, P<0.001, η²=0.380). According to ANCOVA results, the group variable significantly affected post-test fatigue scores (F=79.201, P<0.001, η²=0.582). In addition, pre-test scores affected post-test scores (F=11.082, P=0.002, η²=0.163). We observed that music had positive effects on fatigue and anxiety levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It may be recommended to include music intervention in nursing practices for cancer patients during chemotherapy. The study results demonstrated that music intervention can be used in nursing practices for cancer patients during chemotherapy. Its low-cost and non-invasive nature also provide ease of application. Therefore, we can recommend the application of music intervention in outpatient chemotherapy units.

Astragalus polysaccharides improve adjuvant chemotherapy-induced fatigue for patients with early breast cancer

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (PG2) on reducing chemotherapy-induced fatigue (CIF) and toxicity, thereby encouraging compliance to chemotherapy. This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study. Patients with stage II/III early breast cancer planning to undergo adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy were randomly assigned to receive PG2 500 mg or placebo on days 1, 3, and 8 every 21 days. The fatigue global score (FGS) was assessed using the brief fatigue inventory (BFI)-Taiwan. The Breast Cancer-Specific Module of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires-Core30 evaluated the health-related quality of life during the first four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. Overall, 66 eligible patients were equally randomized into the PG2 and placebo groups between March 01, 2018, and March 09, 2021. The mean change in the FGS and fatigue intensity did not significantly differ between both groups. However, the FGS and fatigue intensity were less aggravated in the first four cycles in the premenopausal-PG2 group than in the placebo group. Our study concluded PG2 combined with adjuvant chemotherapy can reduce CIF, insomnia, the negative effect on future perspectives, and improve global health status, especially for premenopausal patients with breast cancer. Trial registration number: NCT03314805 registered on 19/10/2017.

The effect of recreational therapy application on fatigue in hemodialysis patients: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder that often leads to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), necessitating hemodialysis (HD) treatment. Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom among HD patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. Recreational Therapy (RT) is a therapeutic recreational service designed to maintain and restore a person’s level of performance and independence in daily activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a smartphone-based recreational therapy intervention on fatigue in hemodialysis patients.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted on HD patients at a hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The intervention group received a custom-designed recreational therapy mobile application, including music, comedy, exercise, and educational content. The control group received standard care. Fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) before and after the 30-day intervention.ResultsA total of 72 patients (36 per group) participated in the study. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in overall fatigue scores and improvements across various fatigue dimensions, including general fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, reduced activity, and reduced motivation, compared to the control group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe smartphone-based recreational therapy intervention effectively reduced fatigue in hemodialysis patients. This approach could be a valuable complementary strategy for managing fatigue in this population. Further research is needed to explore the long-term sustainability of these benefits and the intervention’s impact on other patient-reported outcomes.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (no. IRCT20220803055608N1) on 29/08/2022.

Asthenia and vascular cognitive impairment in young patients after stroke

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is found in most patients over 50 years of age. At a young age, PSCI has a negative impact on daily activities, quality of life and return to work, regardless of physical recovery. Often PSCI are combined with asthenia, but there is very little information on the prevalence of post-stroke asthenia (PSA). Currently, the treatment of PSCI and PSA in young patients with citicoline is still controversial.Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of PSCI and PSA in young patients and the efficacy and safety of the domestic drug Noocil (citicoline) in the treatment of PSCI and PSA in stroke patients of young age.Material and methods. The work was conducted in two stages: the first stage was a longitudinal study of cognitive status using neurocognitive scales and assessment of signs of asthenia in patients aged 18 to 45 years; the second stage was an open prospective observational study of 47 patients aged 18 to 45 years with confirmed ischemic stroke (IS) who were randomly assigned to groups with Noocil administration (main group; n=26) or without treatment (control group; n=21). Cognitive function was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and asthenia by manifestations of general fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, MFI-20).Results. High frequency of PSCI (51%) and the severity of asthenia according to MFI-20 scale were found in the hospital sample of young patients with IS. A direct correlation was found between the severity of PSA and the degree of cognitive decline. The positive effect of Noozil on cognitive functions, emotional state and severity of asthenia in the study group was noted. At the end of treatment, the mean MoCA score was 27.4±1.4 in the main group and 25.9±1.1 in the control group (p&lt;0.01), and the mean MFI-20 score was 37.4±7.4 in the main group and 43.7±5.1 in the control group (p&lt;0.01).Conclusion. The high incidence of PSCI and PSA and the positive effect of Noocil on the non-motor consequences of stroke in young patients and the high safety profile of the drug were shown.

Patient reported fatigue after proton therapy for malignant brain tumours – Is there a relation between radiation dose and brain structures?

BackgroundFatigue may significantly effect everyday- and working life for radiotherapy patients. Some studies indicate a correlation between radiation dose and irradiated volume of the brain and the presence of fatigue. Our hypothesis was that patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) can improve our understanding of the patients’ symptoms following proton beam therapy (PBT) and optimize PBT for future patients. MethodsThis study included 167 adult patients (>18 years) who received PBT for malignant brain tumours. Data on dose metrics to intra-cranial structures was obtained from PBT treatment plans. To explore fatigue and health related quality of life (HRQoL); Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and EORTC QLQ-C30 was used at 6-, 12-, 24- and 36 months post PBT. The correlation between fatigue and dosimetry was explored using Spearman’s signed rank test. ResultsNo severe fatigue was recorded during the 36 months follow-up. Correlations between higher radiation dose and worsened fatigue scores were generally weak (rho < 0.3). At 12 months post PBT, higher mean dose to the brain, brainstem, hippocampi and pituitary was correlated to worsened MFI Physical Fatigue. Further, Reduced Motivation according to MFI was correlated to higher radiation dose to the brainstem and the pituitary gland. At 36 months follow-up post-PBT, both Reduced Activity and Reduced motivation according to MFI were correlated to higher radiation dose to the brain, brainstem and hippocampi. ConclusionProton beam therapy are well tolerated, with similar degree of fatigue pre- and post PBT. Achieving further reduction in mean brain dose appears beneficial.

Mental Health Outcomes of Parents with Children Enrolled in the Competence-Based Curriculum in Public Day Primary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya

Involvement in their children's education through the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) significantly impacts the mental health outcomes of parents, necessitating a deeper understanding of how these educational demands influence parental well-being. This study examines the mental health outcomes of parents with children enrolled in the CBC in primary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT), the research employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design targeting parents with children enrolled in the CBC in primary schools. A multi-stage sampling technique resulted in a sample size of 376 parents. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, including the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Parental Stress Scale, and New General Self-Efficacy Scale. Statistical analysis using SPSS Version 25 involved descriptive methods. The findings revealed generally positive mental health outcomes, with high levels of parenting satisfaction and self-efficacy, alongside moderate levels of mental fatigue and stress. These results align with CBT, emphasizing the role of positive beliefs and effective coping strategies in maintaining mental health. The study concludes that while CBC aims to enhance learning, it also creates challenges for parents that impact their mental health.

Impact of nurse-led palliative care on symptom management and life quality outcomes in elderly cancer patients: A retrospective study.

The objective was to explore impacts of nurse-led palliative care interventions on elderly cancer patients in terms of symptom management and life quality outcomes. This retrospective study examined 150 cancer patients from January 2021 to September 2023, divided into 2 groups based on nurse-led palliative care receipt. The observation group (n = 90) received nurse-led palliative care while the control group (n = 60) received routine nursing frequency was 3 times per week for 6 months. The treatment-related symptoms (therapy-related symptoms checklist, TRSC) was used to evaluate the symptom improvement rate of patients, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to evaluate the improvement of patients' quality of life, and Chinese version of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-C) and Chinese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-C) were used to access the improvement of pain and fatigue respectively. Following the intervention, symptom improvement rate in the observation group exhibited markedly superior compared to the control group (100% vs 91.67%, P < .05) and a significant improvement in the patient's health-related quality of life was observed in the observation group at 1, 3, and 5 months postintervention (P < .05). In additional, the observation group displayed notably lower scores on both BPI-C and the BFI-C in contrast to the control group (P < .05). Nurse-led palliative care interventions can effectively improve symptom management and quality of life in elderly cancer patients compared to routine nursing care.

Assessing Barriers and Facilitators to Return to Work for Kidney Cancer Survivors: A 6-Month Longitudinal Study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the factors that impact the readiness and success of kidney cancer survivors returning to work, providing insights for healthcare professionals, employers, and policymakers. MethodsA prospective longitudinal study was conducted at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from April 2022 to June 2023. The study enrolled 282 kidney cancer survivors aged 18 to 60 who completed three surveys at 1, 3, and 6 months postsurgery. Data collection involved telephone interviews and self-administered questionnaires, capturing sociodemographic information, medical history, and employment status, while follow-up assessments tracked return-to-work readiness. The scales used for analysis included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Return-to-Work Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Brief Fatigue Inventory. Generalized Estimation Equations were applied to identify significant factors, with both single-factor and multivariate analyses performed to pinpoint the most critical variables. ResultsReturn-to-work rates at 1, 3, and 6 months postsurgery were 26.9%, 59.9%, and 76.2%, respectively. Higher levels of anxiety, lower self-efficacy, older age, and greater fatigue were associated with reduced return-to-work rates. Physically demanding jobs posed more barriers compared to nonmanual roles. Significant factors identified in multivariate analysis included anxiety, self-efficacy, fatigue, and the nature of the patient's work. ConclusionPsychological, physical, and job-related factors play a crucial role in determining whether kidney cancer survivors can successfully return to work. Tailored support and flexible work arrangements could help kidney cancer survivors reintegrate into the workforce, leading to better long-term outcomes. Implication for Nursing PracticeNursing professionals can play a vital role in assessing and supporting kidney cancer survivors during their recovery process by addressing both psychological and physical factors. Incorporating return-to-work readiness into postoperative care plans, offering mental health support, and liaising with employers to create flexible working conditions could enhance the reintegration of survivors into the workforce.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy(CBT)with Acceptance and Commitment-Based Therapy (ACT)on Reducing Psychological Distress and Reducing Mental Fatigue in Nurses with Burnout Symptoms in Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad

Introduction: Nurses as a large proportion of the healthcare workforce report significant distress and burnout, which can lead to poor patient care, and according to the latest report in 2018, the rate of burnout among nurses was 25%. Among several psychological interventions, integrated therapy can be effective in improving mental fatigue and distress. So, the purpose of the present research is to investigate the effectiveness of integrated( cognitive-behavioral- acceptance and commitment-based) therapy on reducing psychological distress and mental fatigue in nurses with burnout symptoms in Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: This research was a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test study with a control group. The statistical population included all female nurses working in Imam Reza Hospital (Mashhad, Iran) which had symptoms of burnout, . 30 nurses were selected by purposive sampling considering the inclusion criteria and then they were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. Subjects of both groups responded to Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI, Smets et al) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale before and after the intervention. The therapeutic intervention was provided to the experimental group twice a week for 10 sessions of 45 minutes. Results:The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups after the combined treatment intervention in terms of psychological distress and mental fatigue in nurses with signs of job burnout. Conclusion:It is suggested to use CBT-ACT in a continuous and regular manner in hospitals and universities in the form of training classes in order to reduce psychological distress and mental fatigue and job burnout.

B - 19 Neuropsychiatric Determinants of Cognitive Complaints Following COVID-19: a Comparative Study

Abstract Objective Fatigue, anxiety, depression, and stress (FADS) may co-exist with neurocognitive complaints (NC) of “brain fog” reported beyond the acute phase of COVID-19. FADS have been implicated in NC in other conditions. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between FADS and NC following COVID-19 and speak to the relationship between NC and time since acute illness. Moreover, given disproportionately higher rates of COVID-19 amongst people of the global majority (PGM), this study highlights differences between PGM and non-PGM participants in these trends. It is expected that FADS will correlate with NC and vary according to PGM-affiliation. Method Sixty-six participants with a history of COVID-19 within the past eight months (22 PGM, 44 non-PGM) completed the Everyday Cognition Scale (modified scale of NC), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Results In PGM participants, significant Pearson correlations were observed between NCs and fatigue (r = 0.57, p = 0.009), anxiety (r = 0.87, p &amp;lt; 0.001), depression (r = 0.70, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and stress (r = 0.68, p = 0.001). Non-PGM NCs were also associated with anxiety (r = 0.53, p &amp;lt; 0.001), depression (r = 0.59, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and stress (r = 0.27, p = 0.007), but not fatigue. The relationship between subjective neurocognitive concerns and time since acute illness was not significant for either group. Conclusions FADS relates to NC across PGM and non-PGM groups. Neuropsychologists evaluating patients presenting with subjective cognitive complaints following COVID-19 should assess for FADS in their comprehensive evaluations. Targeting interventions for FADS (as applicable) may yield a decline in NC.

Minimize Mental Workload and Fatigue of Horizontal Directional Drilling Worker Using Rating Scale Mental Effort and Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory Methods.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a drilling technique that does not damage the groundsurface; the HDD process involves a stage that requires high concentration and physical skills and isoften carried out in challenging working conditions, causing mental Workload and fatigue in HDDworkers. HDD workers should be given improvements in their work methods to be safe whenworking due to being too tired or losing focus. HDDs must be monitored in real-time, which requiresworkers to get good results without errors so that workers experience workload pressure andmental fatigue. This study aims to measure and minimize mental Workload and fatigue in HDDworkers and determine improvement proposals based on the why-why diagram. Mental workloadmeasurement using the RSME method and fatigue using SOFI and why diagrams are used to findcause and effect in mental Workload and fatigue experienced by HDD workers. Based on the analysisof RSME, the scale value obtained based on six indicators of WL, WD, WP, WME, WA, and WF is 92.05,which is in the category of enormous business carried out, and the KiK indicator or fatigue gets thehighest scale value of 106.52 with the business category given is very large so that HDD workersexperience a mental workload. Mental workload and fatigue correlate. Based on the results of SOFI,the sleepiness dimension received a score of 21.83 with a high level of fatigue category. Therefore,the proposed improvement to the causal results of the Why Diagram is adding the workforce,adjusting work shifts, and monitoring and evaluating HDD workers.

The impact of cancer diagnosis on employment status in a working population

The aim of this study was to investigate the status of return to work and the influencing factors in patients with common cancers referring to three medical centers during the years 2020 to 2022. Material and Methods. In the present study (a retrospective cohort), all patients who visited three medical centers during the years 2020–2022 and were diagnosed with common cancers (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, gastrointestinal cancers and sarcoma), were included in the study. Work ability index (WAI) was assessed based on selected questions from the WAI questionnaire. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess depression and anxiety, and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) was used to assess the level of fatigue. Then, the data obtained from individuals who returned to work were compared with those who did not return. Results. Out of 750 eligible patients, 135 individuals were enrolled in the study. 114 patients were male (84.4 %). The mean age of individuals was 50.2 ± 10.4 years. The most of individuals were diagnosed with gastric cancer (n=66, 48.9 %). After treatment, 36 (26.7 %) individuals returned to work, with the majority (24 individuals: 66.6 %) reporting a decrease in physical ability to do work. Sixty-six (73.3 %) patients did not return to work, with the most common reason being physical inability to work in 60 (66.6 %) individuals. Higher quality of life score was reported in individuals who returned to work. Conclusion. The rate of return to work was approximately 27 %. The return to work rate was highest among individuals with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and lowest among individuals with oesophageal cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The most influential factors affecting the return to work include disease recurrence and quality of life.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Fatigue, Sleep Quality, Physiological Indices, and Electrocardiogram Changes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Limited evidence is available regarding the effect of reflexology on Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). The present study evaluated the effect of foot reflexology on fatigue, sleep quality, physiological indices, and electrocardiogram changes in AMI. This clinical trial was conducted on 80 subjects with AMI. They were divided into an intervention (received reflexology for 3 consecutive days) and a control (received the routine care) group. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a pain numeric analog scale, a daily physiological indices form, and daily electrocardiogram were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software. The study was conducted based on CONSORT criteria. After controlling the covariates, a significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups with regard to the mean scores of fatigue (F5,80 = 16.33; p < 0.001), sleep quality (F5,80 = 16.56; p < 0.001), and chest pain intensity (F5,80 = 6.86; p = 0.010); means of systolic blood pressure (F5,80 = 22.20; p < 0.001), heart rate (F5,80 = 5.86; p = 0.010), respiration (F5,80 = 9.37; p = 0.003), and temperature (F5,80= -4.23; p < 0.001); and incidence of ST-segment (χ2 1,80 = 5.00; p = 0.020) and T-wave changes (χ2 1,80 = 6.05, p = 0.010) on the fourth day of the intervention. Given the effectiveness of foot reflexology in different aspects of AMI patients, the implementation of this intervention is recommended for these patients in coronary care units.

Herbal extract (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge) ameliorates chronic fatigue: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

BackgroundChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) reduces the health-related quality of life in the working-age population; however, studies have rarely investigated this group. A mixture of Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (CAA) may be an effective anti-fatigue supplement. However, few clinical trials have explored the anti-fatigue effects of herbal medicines in human participants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the CAA herbal complex on muscle fatigue and endurance capacity in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. MethodsIn an 8-week trial, 80 patients with chronic fatigue symptoms were randomly assigned to the CAA (43.5 ± 1.2 years) or placebo group (41.8 ± 1.3 years). Fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance were measured at baseline, interim, and post-intervention. Fatigue-related blood biomarkers were assessed before and at the end of the intervention. ResultsA significant improvement in overall fatigue scores was observed on the fatigue severity scale (p = 0.038), multidimensional fatigue inventory (p = 0.037), and 24-hour visual analog scale (p = 0.002) in the CAA group compared to those in the placebo group. Fatigue improvement was observed in the CAA group, as well as physiological variables, such as increased maximal exercise time to exhaustion (p = 0.003), distance until exhaustion (p = 0.003), and maximum oxygen consumption (p = 0.039). ConclusionCAA positively and significantly affected fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance in patients with chronic fatigue, suggesting the potential use of herbal supplements for treating chronic fatigue. Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (CRIS, https://cris.nih.go.kr/): KCT0005613.