Fatigue and fatigue-relieving strategies used by Hong Kong Chinese patients after hemopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background: Fatigue, a common symptom for patients after hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), can be relieved by specific strategies initiated by patients, provided the strategies are perceived as effective. Objectives: To explore the intensity of fatigue experienced by patients after HSCT for the treatment of hematologic malignancy, and to determine the effectiveness of self-initiated fatigue-relieving strategies. Methods: A self-administered survey was mailed to 284 Hong Kong Chinese patients who had been hospitalized for HSCT The patients were required to provide their demographic data and complete the questionnaires of the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale-Chinese Version and the Fatigue Relief Scale-Chinese Version. The data obtained then were analyzed to assess the patients' level of fatigue, the types of fatigue-relieving strategies used, and the effectiveness of the strategies. Results: The participants (n = 157) returned the survey at a response rate of 70.9%. Most of the participants perceived a moderate level of fatigue (mean, 4.7 +/- 1.7). More than 15% reported that they experienced a high level of fatigue. Most of the participants (95%) chose to take some rest and reduce physical activities. The five most effective strategies were sleeping, napping, lying down, being massaged, and stopping current activity. Discussion: Most of the participants perceived the level of fatigue after HSCT as moderate, although various self-initiated fatigue-relieving strategies were used.