Abstract:
Inevitably, fatigue is the most frequently experienced symptom in leukemic
children receiving chemotherapy. This descriptive research aims to explore the fatigue
experience, fatigue outcome interference with functional status, and fatigue
management strategies in leukemic children receiving chemotherapy. The conceptual
framework of this study is based on revised symptom management conceptual model
(Dodd et al., 2001). The sample in this study comprised 50 leukemic children between
7-12 years of age, who were receiving chemotherapy at the in-patient department of
Ramathibodi Hospital, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, and Queen Sirikit
National Institute of Child Health using purposive sampling from March to September
2003. The questionnaires used to collect data were Characteristics and Clinical data
Form, Fatigue Interview Form and Fatigue Management Strategies for Leukemic
Children Receiving Chemotherapy Form. Data analysis employed descriptive
statistics.
The results of this study showed that 72% of leukemic children reported
fatigue experience as physical changes such as headache, dizziness, etc. Severity of
fatigue was in moderate level (Mean=5.52,S.D.=2.07). The leukemic children reported
the highest feeling of fatigue in the afternoon, 62%. Additionally, 80% of leukemic
children reported on causes of fatigue resulting from chemotherapy. The most physical
response reported by leukemic children was muscle fatigue and pain, 86%. The
psychological and emotional responses resulting from fatigue were anxiety and fear
(70%). The behavioral response reported most was drowsiness and low spirits, 74%.
Fatigue outcomes interfere with functional status at moderate level. Sleep was the best
management strategy chosen by leukemic children to cope with fatigue 100% and was
found to be the most effective strategy.
The results of this study suggest that nurses should assess fatigue and fatigue
response and select appropriate management strategies to relieve fatigue in each
leukemic child so that, the patient could manage fatigue effectively, thus promoting
quality of life