Fatigue and depression in patients with lymphoma undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

Purpose/Objectives: To describe the patterns of depression and fatigue, including its dimensions, and the relationship between these two variables in patients with lymphoma undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Design: Prospective, descriptive, correlational, repeated measures. Setting: Midwestern university National Cancer Institute-designated clinical cancer center. Sample: 27 patients with lymphoma aged 19-71 undergoing autologous PBSCT. Methods: The revised Piper Fatigue Scale was used to measure fatigue and its dimensions. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale was used to measure depression on selected days at baseline and during chemotherapy and recovery. Main Research Variables: Fatigue and its four dimensions (behavioral/severity, sensory, cognitive/mood, and affective meaning) and depression. Findings: Total fatigue, fatigue's four dimension scores, and depression scores changed significantly overtime, with the highest scores at day +7 after transplant. Total fatigue and the four dimension scores were highly and positively correlated with depression, with the highest correlation reported between the affective fatigue dimension and depression. Conclusions: The findings support the importance of assessing fatigue and depression in patients undergoing autologous PBSCT at baseline, during chemotherapy, and throughout recovery. Implications for Nursing: Routine clinical assessment with close observation around day +7 after transplant and patient education about the patterns of fatigue and depression will help the healthcare team to intervene at the appropriate time and may help patients to better manage these symptoms.