Assessment of Fatigue and Quality of Life amongst Post-Operative Oral Cancer Patients: A Randomized Case Control Study from the Regional Cancer Centre, Tripura, India

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most common symptoms reported by individuals with oral cancer is fatigue associated with post-operative cancer treatment. More importantly, these symptoms have a major impact on their Quality Of Life (QOL).

Aims: This research focused on examining fatigue and QOL amongst post-operative oral cancer patients.

Methods: This investigation was carried out at the Regional Cancer Centre located in Tripura, India. Ethical clearance and written informed consent were obtained from 100 post-operative oral cancer patients (50 in each group) to conduct the study. A comprehensive nursing intervention was introduced only for the experimental group. A randomized control design was applied together with a quantitative research methodology. Additionally, the EORTC (European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer) scale and the MFI (multidimensional fatigue inventory) scale were evaluated.

Results: The majority of patients in the experimental group reported moderate fatigue (27/50=54%) and a high QOL (28/50=56%). Most of the individuals in the control group reported having severe fatigue (24/50=48%) and an average QOL (38/50=76%). The experimental group of patients experienced decreased fatigue levels and improvements in their QOL than those in the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The research outcomes indicated experimental group has less fatigue and a better QOL than those in the control group. A teaching program may be designed for health workers, social workers, and staff nurses to disseminate awareness and knowledge for post-operative oral cancer patients.