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. 2024 Nov 1:14:1480246.
doi: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1480246. eCollection 2024.

Prevalence of cancer-related fatigue, associated factors and adult cancer patients' experiences at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia: a mixed methods study

Tseganesh Asefa  1 , Gedamnesh Bitew  2 , Hiwot Tezera  3 , Winta Tesfaye  4
Affiliations

Prevalence of cancer-related fatigue, associated factors and adult cancer patients' experiences at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia: a mixed methods study

Tseganesh Asefa et al. Front Oncol. .

Abstract

Purpose: Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent issue affecting 50-90% of cancer patients who experience fatigue at diagnosis, during therapy, and often for months or years after the completion of therapy. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of cancer-related fatigue, associated factors, and adult cancer patients' experiences at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia.

Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted from February 25 to May 15, 2023, via cross-sectional descriptive and phenomenological approaches. The validated Amharic Brief Fatigue Inventory scale and semistructured interview guide were used. The data were processed via Epi-data version 4.4.3.1 and SPSS version 24, with logistic regression analysis. The interview records and field notes were transcribed and translated from Amharic to English and then analysed thematically.

Results: All participants (100%) completed the study, with 77.4% reporting significant fatigue. Fatigue was strongly associated with uninsured medical expenses (P = 0.008, OR = 3.22), late-stage cancer (P = 0.000, OR = 6.11), anaemia (P = 0.009, OR = 3.71), and comorbidities (P = 0.000, OR = 7.22). From the in-depth interviews with 16 participants, two main themes emerged: financial strain (giving up basics, and inability to work) and disease progression (intensified symptoms, increased treatment side effects, and managing multiple conditions).

Conclusion: This study revealed that 77.4% of cancer patients experience significant fatigue, which is linked to a lack of medical insurance, late-stage cancer, anaemia, and comorbid conditions. Financial strain limits access to care, whereas disease progression and managing multiple conditions intensify fatigue. Early intervention, financial support, and integrated care are crucial for reducing fatigue and improving quality of life. Future research should focus on multicentre and longitudinal studies to improve generalizability and track fatigue progression over time.

Keywords: Ethiopia; Hawassa; brief fatigue inventory; cancer patients; cancer-related fatigue; experience.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Prevalence of CRF among the study participants at HUCSH, Ethiopia (n = 297).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Effect of CRF on the normal activities of the study participants at HUCSH, Ethiopia (n = 297).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Coding tree for thematic analysis of CRF experiences among the study participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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