PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF CANCER RELATED FATIGUE AMONG ADULT CANCER PATIENTS ATTENDING AT COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITALS IN AMHARA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA, 2022.

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer related fatigue is a common problem in most cancer patients. It is a subjective feeling of tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy. Cancer related fatigue has a significant impact on cancer patients’ social relationships, daily routine activities, and overall quality of life. Despite this problem, cancer related fatigue is underreported, underdiagnosed, and under investigated in Ethiopia. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of cancer-related fatigue and associated factors among adult patients attending oncology units of Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, in 2022. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was employed and Brief Fatigue Inventory was used to assess the outcome variable. Structured questionnaire was used to assess the different independent variables and a systematic random sampling technique was used. The data was entered into EPI Data version 4.6 and exported into SPSS version 26 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was run to determine the variables with P-value of less than 0.25 and run for multivariate analysis. Statistical significance and strength of association between dependent and independent variables was managed at a P-value of less than 0.05 and at a 95% CI in the final model. Result: In this study 326 participants were involved with 94% response rate. The prevalence was 63.93%

Conclusion and recommendation In this study, the prevalence of cancer-related fatigue was 63.9%. Stage of cancer, poor sleep quality, poor performance status, depression, and admitted patients were significant factors. As a result, healthcare providers should focus on risk factors through early screening and management of cancer-related fatigue. Keywords: Amhara region, cancer, cancer-related fatigue, Ethiopia.