Fatigue, psychological status and QOL in patients with esophageal cancer

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the change of fatigue, psychological status and QOL before surgery and at the time of discharge in patients with esophageal cancer, and in addition, to examine the correlation of fatigue with psychological status and QOL. Subjects: The subjects were 20 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgery. Methods: We used a questionnaire for assessing the fatigue, psychological status and QOL. The changes of fatigue, psychological status and QOL before surgery and at the time of discharge time were analyzed using Student's t test. The correlations of fatigue with psychological status and QOL were analyzed using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. Results: Fatigue increased from before surgery to time of discharge. Depression, stress and QOL showed no significant differences. The correlations between fatigue and stress, and between fatigue and QOL were significant. Conclusion: It is important to understand patient's condition well, and execute rehabilitation that considers the patient's psychology in order to evaluate fatigue, psychological status, and QOL.