• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.12
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• pp.1800-1806
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• 2010

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vanadium water (VW) on cancer-related fatigue of non-advanced cancer patients. For the experimental group administration, participants consumed three 500 mL/bottle bottles of Jeju Island's VW, which contained 15~20 ppb of vanadium, three times a day (morning, afternoon, evening) for 4 weeks (28 days) without any additional treatments for fatigue improvement. The control group participants consumed three 500 mL/bottle bottles of ordinary water (0 ppb of vanadium) three times a day for the same period of time without any additional treatments for fatigue improvement. After 4 weeks of VW consumption, total score of Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (RPFS) was reduced 30% compared to the basal score after Fisher's Exact Test which resulted in a statistical borderline significance (p=0.0799) and result of t-test of comparison between two groups' RPFS total score and fatigue cognitive/mood changes resulted in a statistical significance (p=0.0112). In detail, only 36.4% of control group (N=11) showed improvement while 77.8% of treatment group (N=9) showed fatigue improvement. No other lab measures, including thyroid hormone level indicated any significant differences between two groups. In conclusion, daily consumption of 1.5 L of vanadium water for 4 weeks showed improvement of non-advanced cancer patients' fatigue.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.620-631
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• 2001

Purpose: Fatigue is one of the most common complaints of cancer patients. In this study, we analyzed the change of fatigue level and general symptoms as time go by, so that, we could explain more on the mechanism and change of fatigue in relation with treatment, and explore the influencing factors. Method: The subjects of this study were 50 GI cancer patients who have visited the cancer center of A hospital in Suwon. We measured fatigue by using the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale(RPFS) at the time of starting and finishing induction chemotherapy, and starting the 2nd cycle of chemotherapy. Results: 1) The fatigue score was 2.81, 3.73, and 3.82 in a 10 point scale at the time of starting and finishing induction chemotherapy, and starting the 2nd chemotherapy, respectively. This means fatigue persisted until after the treatment. 2) Fifty two percent of participants complained of some kinds of symptoms when starting the treatment, and the proportion increased up to 92% when finishing the treatment. 3) Fatigue scores were significantly high in patients with fatigue-related symptoms than for patients without those symptoms. 4) Fatigue scores showed significant differences according to patients' general characteristics such as age, educational level, economic status, occupation, diagnosis, hematocrit, weight, and amount of sleepy. Conclusion: We have to develop intervention strategies to reduce fatigue in cancer patients in the consideration of influencing factors.

• CELLMED
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.6.1-6.4
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• 2011

For cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) or systemic chemotherapy (CHT), cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common problem that can negatively impact their quality of life. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant native to the Amazon basin that has been used as a stimulant since pre-Columbian times. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of guarana extract on fatigue in BC patients undergoing either CHT or RT. A total of 137 cancer patients (85% with Breast Cancer) undergoing either CHT (101) or RT (36) were randomized to receive either a placebo or guarana. In all 3 studies, the guarana was given as an unmanipulated dry extract at a dose of 75 mg PO QD in the first two studies or 50 mg PO BID in the third study. Patients were crossed over to the other experimental arm, and we evaluated fatigue with the Chalder Scale in all three studies. Guarana significantly improved the The Chalder Scale Global Scores (- 0.85; 95% CI:-1.31 to -0.40; p = 0.0002); Physical Fatigue Scores (-0.44; 95% CI: - 0.74 to - 0.13; p = 0.005) and Mental Fatigue Scores (-0.93; 95% CI: - 1.14 to - 0.72; p < 0.00001). Guarana did not produce any CTCAE grades 3 or 4 toxicities in any of the studies. Guarana is an effective, cheap and non-toxic alternative for the treatment of fatigue in cancer patients undergoing treatment.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors of breast cancer recurrence by comparing the risk factors and lifestyle patterns related to breast cancer in Korean women with and without recurrence. Methods: This cross-sectional survey comprised 241 Korean women diagnosed with breast cancer who had received follow-up treatment. Participants were recruited from a university hospital in Seoul and an online social media platform for breast cancer patients. Data were collected either via online or a paper survey, using a structured questionnaire that included general and disease-related characteristics and lifestyle behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and logistic regression. Results: Recurrence of breast cancer was influenced by four factors; childbirth experience, consumption of green/yellow vegetables, drinking behavior, and recovery from fatigue after sleep. Prevalence of recurrent breast cancer was associated with no childbirth experience (OR=2.29, p=.010), fewer green/yellow vegetables (OR=0.71, p=.008), drinking behavior (OR=0.24, p=.001), and a lower level of recovery from fatigue after sleep (OR=0.51, p<.001). Conclusion: Aside from having experienced childbirth, this study identified several modifiable factors that influence breast cancer recurrence. Increasing green/ yellow vegetable intake, alleviating fatigue, and reducing alcohol intake are important. Intervention strategies in clinical research and practice can be applied to address risk factors and reduce the prevalence of recurrent breast cancer.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test a Winningham's psychobiologic entropy model (PEM) on cancer related fatigue (CRF) among patients with solid tumors. Methods: Participants consisted of 213 patients with solid tumors recruited from December, 2012 through June, 2013, in a university hospital, in Hwasun, South Korea. Primary symptoms, adjustment, physical activity, status of nutrition and fatigue were measured using structured questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0 programs. Results: The modified model tested provided a reasonable fit to the data ($x^2=65.80$ [df=30, p<.001], TLI=.92, CFI=.95, RMSEA=.08, SRMR=.07). Primary symptoms (dyspnea, anxiety, depression and insomnia) had direct positive effects on CRF. Adjustment and status of nutrition showed indirect negative effects on CRF. However, the impact of physical activity was not significant. These variables explained 49.2% of the variance of CRF among solid tumor patients. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the tested model explain some CRF among solid tumor patients and warrant future research considering the cancer-related clinical factors of the given population.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.87-96
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between fatigue and nutritional status in gastric cancer Design. A correlational and crossectional study design was used. Method: Fatigue was measured using the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale. The parameters for nutritional status consisted of BMI, Hb, Hct, total protein, albumin and lymphocyte count. Result: The mean score of fatigue was $94.31{\pm}22.08(mean\;average\;4.48{\pm}1.00)$. The subdimensional scores of fatigue revealed $34.15{\pm}8.76$ for behavior/severity, $22.00{\pm}7.93$ for cognitive/mood, $21.67{\pm}5.56$ for sensory, and $20.81{\pm}6.69$ for affective. And the level of BMI, Hb, & Hct were under the normal ranges. In the ancillary analysis, there was a significant difference on the fatigue scores by the groups of present diet(F=3.343, P=.026). Age, types of treatments, period after diagnosis and weight change were related to nutritional status. There was a significant negative correlation between fatigue and nutritional status(r=-.371, P=.004). Conclusion: Considering the relationship between fatigue and nutritional status, nurses can identify the risk group most vulnerable to fatigue and malnourishment in order to provide appropriate interventions for them.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.3067-3074
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• 2013

Background: Faced with highly prevalent and recalcitrant cancer-related fatigue (CRF), together with the absence of any official guidelines on management, numerous groups have been striving to seek and test alternative therapies including acupuncture and moxibustion. However, different patients have various feedbacks, and the many clinical trials have given rise to varied conclusions. In terms of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion, there exist vast inconsistencies. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the auxiliary effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of CRF, and to provide more reliable evidence to guide clinical practice. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before December 2012 were all aggregated, focusing on evaluation of acupuncture or moxibustion for CRF. The quality of the included studies was assessed basing on Cochrane handbook 5.1.0, and the available data were analyzed with RevMan software (version 5.2.0). Descriptive techniques were performed when no available data could be used. Results: A total of 7 studies involving 804 participants were eligible. With real acupuncture versus sham acupuncture, subjects receiving true acupuncture benefited more in the reduction of fatigue. With real acupuncture versus acupressure or sham acupressure, fatigue level appeared 36% improved in the acupuncture group, but 19% in the acupressure group and only 0.6% with sham acupressure. When real acupuncture plus enhanced routine care was compared with enhanced routine care, the combination group improved mean scores for general fatigue, together with physical and mental fatigue. With real acupuncture versus sham acupuncture or wait list controls, the real acupuncture group displayed significant advantages over the wait list controls at 2 weeks for fatigue improvement and better well-being effects at 6 weeks. When moxibustion plus routine care was compared with routine care alone, the meta-analyses demonstrated the combination had a relatively significant benefit in improving severe fatigue and QLQ-C30. Conclusion: Up to the search date, there exist few high quality RCTs to evaluate the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion, especially moxibustion in English. Yet acupuncture and moxibustion still appeared to be efficacious auxiliary therapeutic methods for CRF, in spite of several inherent defects of the included studies. Much more high-quality studies are urgently needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.4859-4862
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• 2015

Background: Fatigue, stress and pain are common symptoms among cancer patients, affecting the quality of life. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of distant Reiki on pain, anxiety and fatigue in oncology patients. Materials and Methods: Participants in the control group received usual medical and nursing care during their stay. The intervention group received usual care plus five distant Reiki sessions, one each night for 30 min. A face to face interview was performed and patient personal and illness related characteristics were evaluated using the Patient Characteristics form. Pain, stress and fatigue were evaluated according to a numeric rating scale. Results: The experimental group was predominantly composed of women (71.4%), married individuals (40%), and primary school graduates (40%). The control group was predominantly male (72.7%), married (60%), and primary school graduates (60%). The control group demonstrated greater levels of pain (p=0.002), stress (p=0.001) and fatigue (p=0.001). The Reiki group pain score (p <0.0001), stress score (p <0.001) and fatigue score were also significantly lower. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Reiki may d ecreasepain, anxiety and fatigue in oncology patients.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.541-555
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• 2002

Objectives: This study is aimed to analyze the trend of research on nutrition, pain and fatigue of cancer patients in Korea, suggest direction for future research of nutrition, pain and fatigue of cancer patients. Methods: 74 studies published from 1991 to 2001 were examined according to the year of publication, types of journal, research design, types of disease, care methods, major concepts, tool and research findings. Results: 1) The number of studies related nutrition, pain and fatigue of cancer patients had increased rapidly since the 1996's(78.4%). 2) 42 nutrition, pain and fatigue of cancer patients studies(56.1%) were done for a thesis for a degree and 32 were nondegree research studies(43.9%). 3) 70 studies(94.7%) were quantitative study, which included in 40 descriptive studies(54.1%), 22 experimental studies (29.75), 5 correlative studies(6.8%), 2 comparative studies(2.7%) and 1 case study(1.4%), and 4 studies(5.3%) were qualitative study, which included in 3 content analysis studies(3.9%) and 1 phenomenological study(1.4%). 4) Researches about cancer more than 2 were the most by 48 studies (66.1%), following leukemia researches were 8 studies(10.8%), breast cancer researches were 7 studies(9.5%), gastric cancer researches were 4 studies(5.4%), pediatric cancer researches were 3 studies(4.1%), uterine cancer researches were 2 studies(2.7%). 5) Researches about chemotherapy were the most by 39 studies(52.6%), following analgesic researches were 14 studies(18.9%), researches that do not present treatment method were 9 studies(12.2%), radiation researches were 7 studies(9.5%). 6) In 22 experimental studies, the effects of 13 types of nursing interventions were tested. Research findings were effective almost but muscle relaxation therapy to decrease nausea and vomiting was no effect. Conclusion: We need more researches about research of nutrition, pain and fatigue of cancer patients, especially need to prove the effect of intervention or program for nutrition, pain and fatigue of cancer patients by experimental research designs and need more qualitative researches to identify indepth the meaning of nutrition, pain and fatigue of cancer patients.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.368-380
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a home-based video exercise program on cancer-related fatigue, physiological and psychological status in patients with colon and rectal cancers undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: The study design was a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design. Data were collected from patients with colo-rectal cancers in Yonsei cancer center from July 5th to October 31st in 2011. There were 40 participants; 20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. The structured questionnaire was used to measure fatigue, physical function and emotional status. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 and a chi-squre test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed- rank test were conducted to examine the homogeneity and the research hypotheses. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in White Blood Cell count in the experimental group compared with that of the control group. The exercise group showed a slight decrease of White Blood Cell count compared with that of the control group after 4 week program (z=-2.935, p=.003). However, there were no significant differences in fatigue, physiological and psychological status between the two groups. Conclusion: In this study, the developed video exercise program was effective in markedly slightly decreasing White Blood Cell count in patients with colo-rectal cancers undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, utilizing the video exercise program can be an useful method to promote health among patients with cancer in clinical practice.