Impacto da fadiga secundária à quimioterapia na qualidade de vida de mulheres com câncer de mama

Abstract

Introduction: Chemotherapy-related fatigue (CRF) is a side effect that deeply interferes in cancer patients health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The better knowledge about fatigue, will allow the development of appropriate interventions for prevention, management and control of this side effect. Objective: To evaluate the CRF and its repercussions on HRQoL in breast cancer women during chemotherapy. Material and methods: A prospective and mixed study, with 47 women attended at a University Hospital of Triângulo Mineiro. Data related to CRF and HRQoL were collected at two moments (T1 and T2) through the Fatigue Pictogram, the revised Piper Fatigue Scale and the EORTC QLQ-C30. The paired T test was used to compare the means, and the Spearman´s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the associations between variables. For qualitative investigation, the open questions of the Piper Fatigue Scale were applied, and the answers analyzed and submitted to the Content Analysis. Results: The highest frequency was of women with moderate fatigue - 48.94% (T1), 53.19% (T2) - and the most affected dimension was affective. As causes for fatigue were described six categories: fear and concern; chemotherapy; emotional/psychological state; mismatches in family relationships; change in self-image; physical effort/daily activities. As resource for the fatigue relief, five categories were identified: seek God; bath; rest; distraction measures; to cry. The HRQoL presented was moderate; and there was no significant change (p = 0,842) between T1 and T2. The associations between the variables total fatigue and general health status/QOL (p = 0,012), social function (p = 0,022) and pain (p <0.01) were significant only in T2. These results suggest that the more persistent the CRF, the greater the HRQoL impairment. Final considerations: The CRF make changes in HRQoL, and it affects functionally, socially and emotionally the breast cancer women. It is necessary a more attentive listening, that values the patient's complaints; besides the investigation of more effective measures for the management of CRF and consequently the prevention or reestablishment of the impaired aspects of the HRQoL.