Multicomponent Self-Help Intervention Package for Fatigue, Quality of Life, Functional Performance and Aerobic Capacity during Cancer Chemotherapy: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Fatigue ranks as a highly prevalent and distressing symptom stated by patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. It significantly compromises the patients’ quality of life (QoL) and functional performance. The objective of this prospective trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component self-help intervention package (MSHIP) targeting fatigue and improving functional performance, QoL and aerobic capacity of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: A prospective, open, randomised parallel group trial with follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 weeks was adopted. Patients with cancer admitted for the second cycle of chemotherapy, who fulfilled eligibility criteria, enrolled in the study. Baseline data were collected, and participants were allocated into the MSHIP group and the control group with block randomisation. The outcomes were assessed by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Scale, and 6-min walk distance test. Results: The mean age was comparable between groups (experimental 49.17 ± 8.36 years vs. control 48.22 ± 9.21 years). A substantial difference in fatigue scores (F = 86.45, p < 0.001), functional performance scores (F = 27.95, p < 0.001), QoL scores (F = 13.19, p < 0.001) and aerobic capacity scores (F = 27.95, p < 0.001) between MSHIP group and control group was observed. Conclusion: MSHIP intervention empowers and enables patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy for self-care activities for the management of fatigue and enhancing functional performance, QoL and aerobic capacity. This economic intervention has proved to be beneficial, and hence, it can be integrated into routine oncology clinical practice for its utilisation.