fatigue

Research into managing depression and fatigue, two typical symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), is constantly expanding. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the modified Mediterranean (MED) diet or the Traditional Persian (TP) diet in terms of fatigue and depression severity in patients with MS.

In this single-center, single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 90 patients were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to either the MED or TP diet intervention and control groups for two months between July 2022 and February 2023, in Shiraz, Iran. The Krupp Questionnaire for Fatigue Severity Scale and the Beck Depression questionnaire were used. The Chi square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, One-way ANOVA, and backward elimination technique were employed. STATA statistical software (version 17) was utilized for data analysis. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean age of 90 participants was 35.64±9.12, and 82.2% were women. The analysis revealed a negative correlation between fatigue severity and MED diet intervention (-4.17 [-8.18-0.16]; P=0.04). However, there was no association between fatigue severity and TP diet intervention (-3.82 [-7.96, 0.32]; P=0.07). The analysis showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between lower depression scores and TP diet intervention (-2.89 [-5.59, -0.19]; P=0.03). However, there was no association between depression scores and MED diet intervention (P=0.22). Lower depression score was also associated with older age and higher socioeconomic status (P=0.002 and P=0.006). It was also shown that longer duration of disease (P=0.05) and higher fatigue severity (P=0.001) were associated with higher depression scores. 

Adhering to the MED diet could reduce fatigue scores in MS patients while having no effect on the depression score. In contrast, adhering to the TP diet recommendation could reduce depression scores without affecting fatigue scores in MS patients.Trial registration number: IRCT20181113041641N1.

This study aimed to assess the impact of a volleyball-specific fatigue protocol on balance, proprioception, and performance in volleyball players with differing ACL injury risk levels.

his semi-experimental research utilized a pre-test-post-test design. Forty volleyball players from Urmia were selected and divided into low- and high-risk groups based on ACL injury potential, assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). A LESS score below 6 indicated low risk, while above 6 indicated high risk. Balance was measured using the stork test (static balance) and Y balance test (dynamic balance), knee proprioception was assessed with a goniometer, and performance was evaluated with the Sargent jump test. After baseline assessments, players were subjected to a volleyball-specific fatigue protocol, after which all tests were repeated. Analysis of covariance and dependent t-tests were used to evaluate inter-group and intra-group differences.

The dependent t-tests and analysis of covariance indicated that fatigue significantly decreased static balance (P=0.001, P=0.001), dynamic balance (P=0.001, P=0.001), and performance (P=0.001, P=0.001). Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests also significantly reduced proprioception post-fatigue (P=0.001, P=0.001). Additionally, significant differences were found between the groups for all variables (P<0.05) except for proprioception (P>0.05).

Overall, the findings suggest that fatigue is a significant factor in reducing balance, proprioception, and explosive power. This decline was greater in the high-risk injury group, likely due to baseline neuromuscular weaknesses in this group.

Operating room personnel often face high levels of fatigue due to the demanding nature of surgical procedures. This study aimed to compare the impact of inhaling the Citrus aurantium Essential and performing stretching exercises on reducing fatigue in operating room personnel in 2022.

This was an interventional design conducted at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Amol. It involved a 6-week intervention with 96 participants from educational hospitals, who were divided into control, aromatherapy, and exercise groups. Data collection included demographics and fatigue assessments. After randomization, three participants withdrew from study. Fatigue score was measured before the intervention and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-intervention. The intervention included inhaling Citrus aurantium essential oil and stretching exercises. Data analysis for 93 participants was conducted using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests, and repeated measures.

Results revealed a significant reduction in average fatigue scores after the intervention, with the exercise group at 45.77±11.71, the aroma group at 47.71±11.1, and the control group at 54.65±12.2 after 6 weeks (p <0.009). This suggests that both stretching exercises and aromatherapy positively impact fatigue levels.

In conclusion, incorporating stretching exercises and Citrus aurantium essential oil inhalation is recommended to alleviate fatigue among operating room personnel, offering a potential solution to combat the challenges of fatigue in this high-pressure environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the workload of nurses worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence of adverse effects related to the use of PPE and its correlation with nurse fatigue.

In this cross-sectional study, 313 nurses employed in educational hospitals in the city of Khorramabad were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected from September 2021 to March 2022 through a fatigue questionnaire and a researcher-developed questionnaire. The data analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, mean, and standard deviation, as well as statistical tests including Chi-square, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA.

The results showed dry mouth(thirst) (65.8%) and facial wrinkles (51.6%) were the most commonly reported side effects. The comparison of fatigue scores indicated a significant association between physical fatigue and the use of coverall suits(p < 0.05). Moreover, women reported significantly higher physical fatigue scores (p = 0.04). Regarding age, there was a significant difference in mental fatigue (p = 0.01), physical fatigue (p = 0.004), and overall fatigue scores (p = 0.004), with younger nurses showing significantly higher scores. The ANOVA results showed no significant difference in fatigue scores based on ward type and, job responsibilities (p > 0.05).

The results of this study showed that fatigue and side effects related to the use of personal protective equipment are common among nurses. Managing shifts and human resources, as well as improving the quality of protective equipment, are essential to reducing fatigue and related side effects in similar future crises.

Global health agencies advocate that no mother should die while giving life, more so from preventable causes. However, there are persistently high maternal mortalities in various regions with a current global maternal mortality ratio of 211/100,000 live births. This study sought to investigate the causes and determinants of maternal mortality.

A four‑year retrospective, cross‑sectional study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals within Migori county in Kenya. Data were extracted from 101 maternal mortality records from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019.

Leading complications were hemorrhage 34.70%, eclampsia 20.80%, and sepsis 15.80%. Mothers who were unmonitored using partograph, had reactive HIV status, were in the postpartum period, were referred from periphery facilities, and low socioeconomic levels were most vulnerable.

Improvement in healthcare systems to enable optimal care to mothers diagnosed with leading complications and socioeconomically empowering women in Migori county is urgently needed.

Numerous national and international nursing research studies have used the 13-item Chronic Illness Therapy Functional Assessment-Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale to measure the level of self-reported fatigue among the elderly population. Nonetheless, a culturally adapted Arabic version of the scale of the same quality was required to boost its use in Arabic-speaking nations. This study cross-culturally validated the Arabic version of the FACIT-F scale and tested its validity and reliability in an Arabic-speaking population.

We conducted the study among an elderly Jordanian population using a methodological cross-sectional approach. Using a cluster random selection technique, we randomly selected 250 older adults from a larger pool. We evaluated the scale’s validity, internal consistency, and acceptability. We analyzed the construct validity using both confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis.

The Arabic version of FACIT-F was proven to be acceptable for the one-factor model in the elderly Jordanian population. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the Arabic FACIT-F was 0.95, which indicated good reliability. Evidence suggested that construct validity for the FACIT-F was generally quite acceptable.

With regard to evaluating fatigue in an older Jordanian population, the Arabic translations of the FACIT-F have been shown to be reliable and valid.

 Anxiety and fatigue are symptoms typically experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. In dealing with these symptoms, listening to music may help patients.

 The randomized controlled study was conducted between May 1, 2022 and November 10, 2022 with 60 patients treated in the outpatient chemotherapy unit. The data were gathered using a patient information form, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. In addition to standard treatment and care, 30-minute music was played with a passive listening method in a total of three cycles of chemotherapy in the intervention group patients who completed the first cycle and visited for the second cycle of chemotherapy.

 According to the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) findings, the group variable significantly affected the post-test state anxiety scores when an adjustment was made for pre-test state anxiety scores (F=240.398, P<0.001, η²=0.808). In addition, pre-test state anxiety scores affected post-test results (F=7.925, P=0.007, η²=0.122). According to the ANCOVA findings, the group variable significantly affected the post-test trait anxiety scores (F=235.243, P<0.001, η²=0.805). In addition, pre-test trait anxiety scores affected post-test results (F=34.977, P<0.001, η²=0.380). According to ANCOVA results, the group variable significantly affected post-test fatigue scores (F=79.201, P<0.001, η²=0.582). In addition, pre-test scores affected post-test scores (F=11.082, P=0.002, η²=0.163).

 We observed that music had positive effects on fatigue and anxiety levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It may be recommended to include music intervention in nursing practices for cancer patients during chemotherapy. The study results demonstrated that music intervention can be used in nursing practices for cancer patients during chemotherapy. Its low-cost and non-invasive nature also provide ease of application. Therefore, we can recommend the application of music intervention in outpatient chemotherapy units.

 Despite significant advances in medicine, cancer remains one of the most important diseases of the present century. One of the most common and debilitating cancer-related problems experienced by patients at any stage of the disease is fatigue, which may be due to a disease or related treatment that is called cancer-related fatigue. The present study aimed at determining the relationship between demographic and clinical factors and cancer-related fatigue in patients referring to oncology clinics.

 A total of 160 cancer patients entered the present descriptive-correlational study. The participants were selected based on convenience sampling. Data collection tools included demographic information and a multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 22.

 The results of the independent t test demonstrated a significant difference in the mean total score of fatigue in patients with and without a family history of cancer (P=0.016, t=2.429). However, no significant difference was observed between the mean total score of fatigue in patients with and without a history of drug use (P=0.314, t=-1.010). The results of a one-way analysis of variance revealed that there was no significant difference between marital status and general level of fatigue (P=0.122, F=1.961).

 Based on the findings, the type of treatment and family history of cancer were linked to cancer-related fatigue. This suggests that, in addition to offering physical care and nursing interventions, considering the demographic and clinical aspects of cancer patients can be crucial in effectively addressing fatigue in these individuals.

The global prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is rising, and there is currently no cure. The dietary approachesto stop hypertension (DASH) and low glycemic load diets have demonstrated benefits in improving mood and physical functionamong adults with MS.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of gain- versus loss-framed messages on stress, anxiety, depression, andfatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting MS who follow DASH and Low-Glycemic-Index diets. Methods and

This open-label, 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted at the MS Association of Ahvaz. Thestudy included men and women aged 18 - 55 with an Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score below 4.5. A total of 96participants were randomly assigned to receive either gain-framed or loss-framed messages. Educational messages, presentedin graphical or textual formats, were tailored to participants based on their responses. Outcomes were assessed using theModified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and measures of pain intensity, physicalactivity, dietary intake, and adherence to the recommended interventions. Data were analyzed using both per-protocol andintention-to-treat methods. SPSS version 26.0 was used for statistical analysis, with significance set at P < 0.05.

If this study demonstrates the effectiveness of gain- and loss-framed messages, these approaches can be utilizedto enhance knowledge and awareness among individuals with MS. Furthermore, they can promote adherence to DASH and lowGlycemic Index diets, potentially improving stress, anxiety, fatigue, and pain intensity in this population.

Emergency nurses face various challenging conditions and many moral distress that may associated with fatigue from providing care. The spiritual intelligence of nurses has been found to have an impact on the quality of care. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the spiritual intelligence of emergency nurses with fatigue from providing care and moral distress in emergency nurses.

This descriptive‑analytical cross‑sectional study was conducted on 200 nurses working in the emergency departments of hospitals in Semnan and Sabzevar, who were selected by stratified random method. They were asked to complete the spiritual intelligence, nurse fatigue scale, and moral distress questionnaire through self‑reporting. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and Amos software, path analysis, and correlation tests.

An increase in spiritual intelligence leads to a significant reduction in moral distress (p = 0.01) and fatigue from caregiving (p = 0.001). In contrast, an increase in moral distress leads to a considerable increase in fatigue from caregiving (p = 0.001).

The results showed that spiritual intelligence has an inverse relationship with moral distress and fatigue from providing care. Moral distress has a direct relationship with fatigue from providing care. Therefore, interventions in the field of increasing spiritual intelligence and reducing moral distress and fatigue from providing care are recommended.

This study investigated the effects of humor therapy on the fatigue levels of patients receiving hemodialysis (HD).

A single?blind, randomized clinical trial of 66 HD patients for 3 weeks was conducted, in which two groups were randomly allocated – humor therapy and control. In the intervention group, humor therapy sessions were conducted twice aweek for 3 weeks. As a pre? and postintervention assessment, the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI) was completed.

According to the repeated?measures ANOVA test, FSI values exhibited a  significant decline in the humor therapy group and an increase in the control group at the first, second, and third visits (humor therapy vs. control: 30.38 ± 8.75 and 61.80 ± 13.92, P < 0.001; 35.71 ± 10.05 and 69.53 ± 15.32, P < 0.001; and 34.85 ± 9.24 and 70.34 ± 22.26, P < 0.001, respectively) compared with baseline (humor therapy vs.control: 49.26 ± 5.19 and 52.09 ± 11.69, P = 0.204).

Findings suggest that humor therapy can effectively reduce fatigue levels in patients presenting with HD.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, leading to reduced quality of life and impaired physical and psychological functions.

This study aims to examine the relative efficacy of yoga and relaxation therapy in improving sleep disturbances, fatigue, and cognitive impairment among individuals diagnosed with MS.

This study employed a semi-experimental research design, including a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up over three months. The target population comprised all MS patients referred to the Iranian MS Association in Tehran between July and November 2023. Sixty participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to research groups: Two yoga therapy groups with 17 participants each, a relaxation therapy group with 16 participants, and a control group with 18 participants. The yoga therapy group participated in twelve 90-minute sessions twice a week, while the control group received no intervention and was placed on a waiting list. Various tools, including the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI-O), and a concentration skills questionnaire, were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, MANCOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests with a significance level of 0.05, utilizing SPSS 27 software.

The study found a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the restlessness factor in both the post-test and follow-up phases. Additionally, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the levels of physical fatigue, mental fatigue, decreased activity, and decreased motivation in both the post-test and follow-up phases, indicating significant changes in the fatigue factor among the research groups. However, there was no significant difference in the general fatigue component between the research groups. A significant difference (P < 0.001) was also found in the concentration factor, particularly in the components of voluntary and involuntary concentration, during both the post-test and follow-up stages.

The results of this study indicate that both yoga and relaxation therapy techniques significantly reduce restlessness, physical tiredness, mental fatigue, decreased activity, and decreased motivation. Furthermore, the findings validate that both yoga and relaxation therapy techniques effectively enhance voluntary and involuntary concentration.