Abstract
Although fatigue has been a focus for research in adult cancer care for some time,
the same cannot be said for adolescent oncology practice. This paper summarises the
literature concerning fatigue in adolescents with, and following, cancer diagnoses,
drawing on data from four empirical studies. Fatigue is multidimensional, multifactorial
and highly subjective, but can be managed to enhance self-caring and coping strategies.
All of the studies reviewed within indicate that fatigue is a troublesome symptom,
which impacts on quality of life. From this review, we set up a research study. This
paper provides a brief report of preliminary data from this study drawn from a group
of adolescents in late remission from childhood cancer. These data are used to evaluate
the utility of focus groups as a method of data collection in exploring the concept
of fatigue in adolescents. Concurring with the studies we reviewed, findings from
the preliminary data suggest that fatigue is a highly subjective and ‘abnormal’ phenomenon
that holds a variety of implied meanings and associated metaphors connected with past
experiences of childhood cancer. The focus group proved to be a viable research method
to facilitate mutual disclosure and provoke discussion. Recognition of the research
challenges with adolescents, where there is the potential for a range of meanings
for the experience of fatigue, is an important finding for future studies.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
September 1,
2003
Received in revised form:
August 29,
2003
Received:
November 26,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Published by Elsevier Inc.
