The effect of fatigue self-management program based on individual and family self-management theory in cancer patients on fatigue, activities of daily living and well-being

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the Fatigue Self-Management Program Based on the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory on fatigue, daily living activities and well-being in cancer patients. Method: The research is a randomized controlled single-blind experimental study. It was carried out between November 2020 and April 2022 with a total of 94 individuals, 47 of in the sampling, and 47 were in the control group who were met the inclusion criteria in the oncology clinics of Akdeniz University Hospital. Study data were collected using Personal Information Form, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, Well-Being Questionnaire (WBQ-22). The Fatigue Self-Management Program based on Individual and Family Self-Management Theory was applied to the intervention group. No intervention was applied to the control group, and the patients received routine care and treatment. Results: It was determined that the mean score of fatigue of intervention group compared to the control group decreased and the difference was statistically significant p<0.05); daily living activities mean scores were higher than the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The mean scores of depression and anxiety of the intervention group were lower than those of the control group; energy, positive well-being and general well-being mean scores were found to be higher than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05), except for positive well-being. Conclusion: It was found that the Fatigue Self-Management Program based on the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory is effective in reducing the fatigue experienced by cancer patients and increasing their well-being, but not in increasing their independence in daily living activities. It is recommended to apply the Fatigue Self-Management Program based on Individual and Family Self-Management Theory to manage the fatigue experienced by the patients and to increase their well-being. Key words: activities of daily living, fatigue, nursing, The Individual and Family Self-Management Theory, well-being