Effects of a Comprehensive Program on Reducing Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) can affect patients undergoing chemotherapy severely. A comprehensive intervention targeted for reducing CRF is lacking.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative multifaceted web-based patient-empowered CRF management program for improving CRF, perceived self-efficacy for fatigue self-management (PSEFSM), physical activity, quality of sleep, anxiety, depression, pain and quality of life (QoL) among gastric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in China.

A total of 92 eligible gastric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. Participants in the intervention group received a 12-week CRF intervention including eight online sessions, patient diary for self-management practice; telephone follow-up and online support via WeChat. The control group received routine care. Primary outcome was CRF. Secondary outcomes included PSEFSM, physical activity, quality of sleep, anxiety, depression, pain, and QoL. Outcome variables were measured three times: at admission(T0), post-intervention(T1) and one-month post-intervention(T2). Repeated measures ANOVA or generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the intervention effect.

Significant group by time interaction was found in the scores of total CRF and its three dimensions, PSEFSM, total physical activities, quality of sleep, anxiety, depression, and QoL of the two groups (P <0.05). No significant difference was found in pain scores (P >0.05).

This study provides evidence that an innovative multifaceted web-based patient-empowered CRF management program is effective in reducing CRF and improving related symptoms (depression, anxiety, quality of sleep), physical activity, PSEFSM and QoL for gastric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.