Differences in Self-reported Attentional Fatigue Between Patients With Breast and Prostate Cancer at the Initiation of Radiation Therapy

• DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0b013e318202520a
• Publication Date: 2011-01-21T08:15:17Z
• Authors: John D. Merriman; Marylin Dodd; Kathryn Lee; Steven M. Paul; Bruce A. Cooper; Bradley E. Aouizerat; Patrick S. Swift; William Wara; Laura Dunn; Christine Miaskowski
• Keywords: Depression; Cancer-related fatigue

Background: Attentional fatigue is experienced as a decreased ability to concentrate, engage in purposeful activity, and maintain social relationships when there are competing demands on attention. Breast prostate cancer the 2 most common cancers women men, respectively. Most previous studies self-reported attentional evaluated patients with breast cancer. Objectives: The objectives of study were determine if differed before radiation therapy (RT) between other symptoms these groups. Methods: Patients (n = 155) completed questionnaires RT. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, analysis covariance used for data analyses. Results: After controlling age, reported significantly higher levels fatigue. In both groups, more correlated anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, physical These correlations stronger Conclusions: present first identify differences groups Additional research warranted factors that contribute differences, well mechanisms underlie development Implications Practice: Clinicians should consider capacity their direct attention learning about RT treatments. It important simplify confusing healthcare terminology reinforce teaching verbally writing. Appropriate interventions anxiety depression may decrease patients.