The Effects of the COMMASH-E Intervention on the Fatigue, Sleep Quality and Functional Status of Children with Cancer in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the combined music and sleep hygiene education (COMMASH-E) intervention on the fatigue, sleep quality and functional status of children with cancer residing in temporary lodges in Indonesia. The design of this study was a quasi-experimental pre-post test with a control group. We recruited children with cancer aged 7-18 years (n = 58) using a consecutive sampling method and assigned them to intervention and control groups (n = 29 in each group). The intervention group had the COMMASH-E intervention while the control group received routine care. Fatigue, sleep quality and functional status were measured on days 1 and 4 using Allen's Fatigue in Childhood Cancer Scale, the Sleep Problem in Children Scale and the Barthel Index, respectively. T-dependent and independent tests and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) tests were performed for the data analysis. There were significant differences in fatigue, sleep quality and functional status between the intervention and control groups after the COMMASH-E intervention. Nonetheless, chemotherapy drugs contributed to the children's sleep quality. COMMASH-E was found to be more effective than routine care in the reducing fatigue and increasing the sleep quality and functional status of children with cancer.

Keywords: Fatigue; functional status; music; paediatric oncology; sleep hygiene education; sleep quality.