Fatigue among post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients in Jordan: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Background: During hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), patients underwent various serious prolonged treatments, including conditioning and immunosuppressive drugs, resulting in several symptoms and alterations in the patient's functioning. One of the most commonly reported symptoms is fatigue.

Aim: To assess fatigue levels and associated factors during the first 100 days post-HSCT among Jordanian patients.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design assessed fatigue and associated factors during the first 100 days post-HSCT among Jordanian patients. A convenient sample was used to recruit post-HSCT patients. Data were collected using the demographic survey and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) scale.

Results: The findings of this study demonstrated that 40.5% of the participants had severe total fatigue scores, while the mean BFI intensity average score was 5.01 and the mean interference of fatigue with patients' daily life was 5.06. In terms of fatigue interference with daily activities, the highest interference was with the patient's mood and normal work, while the lowest interference was with the walking ability. The analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the fatigue intensity and its interference with the daily activities (r = .98, p ˂.001). Besides, a significantly strong negative correlation was found between the number of days post-HSCT and fatigue scores (r = - .92, p ˂.001).

Conclusion: Post-transplant, patients experienced increased fatigue intensity, reduced physical activity, interference with the patient's mood, and diminished functional capacity. Patients who have HSCT require a significant nursing care immediately post-transplant.

Keywords: Cancer; Fatigue; Hematopoietic stem cell transplant; Physical activity.