Identificação de fadiga oncológica e impacto na qualidade de vida em pacientes submetidos à quimioterapia e radioterapia

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer-related fatigue can be defined as impertinent and uncomfortable tiredness, which interferes kinetic-functionally, emotionally and socially, directly impacting the quality of life. It can occur in 40% of patients at the time of diagnosis or after the first chemotherapy session, and in 99% of patients who are in palliative care or in later stages of the disease. Objective: To evaluate cancer-related fatigue and its impact on the quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, correlating sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional epidemiological study with a quantitative approach, in which 51 individuals undergoing cancer treatment (chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy) participated. Three instruments were used: a questionnaire with sociodemographic data, the EICF fatigue assessment questionnaire and the EORTC QLQ-C30 quality of life questionnaire. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of PUC Goiás, with opinion nº 3.236.980. Results: The sample reported moderate presence of fatigue. Males had a greater impact of fatigue on daily activities. Patients who underwent chemotherapy, who had a diagnosis and treatment time greater than 2 years, and older presented greater presence and impact of fatigue. In quality of life, the sample classified its overall health as regular to moderate, decreased functionality, and overall symptomatology. Diagnostic time greater than 2 years indicated improvement in the perspective of overall health, and patients who underwent radiotherapy had better functionality. Conclusion: It is concluded that câncer-related fatigue was moderately present in the sample analyzed, with a direct impact on the functionality and overall quality of life of these patients.