The Impact of Fatigue on Quality of Life and Activities of Daily Living in Pediatric Oncology Patients

This study, starting from the fact that childhood cancers remain a significant health problem, focuses on fatigue, a symptom frequently observed in these patients and affecting their lives in multifaceted ways. Cancer and the treatment process have effects on physical, emotional, and cognitive areas, negatively impacting children's participation in daily living activities, social relationships, and overall quality of life. In this context, fatigue is considered not merely a temporary weakness, but a multidimensional condition that reduces an individual's overall well-being and functional independence.The main aim of this study is to examine the relationship between fatigue level and functional independence and health-related quality of life in children treated in the pediatric oncology ward. The study tests the hypothesis that as fatigue levels increase, children's independence in daily living activities decreases and their quality of life declines. Accordingly, the study aims to contribute to clinical practice by revealing the impact of fatigue on children's lives.The research has a cross-sectional and observational design and is conducted with a total of 89 pediatric oncology patients aged 2-18 years treated at Istanbul Medipol University hospitals. The fatigue level, quality of life, and functional independence of the individuals participating in the study are assessed using various validated and reliable measurement tools. The FACIT-F and PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale are used for fatigue, the PedsQL Cancer Module for quality of life, and the WeeFIM scale for activities of daily living. Data are collected through face-to-face interviews and online forms, and the obtained data are evaluated using statistical analysis methods.The study is expected to reveal significant relationships between fatigue level and quality of life and activities of daily living in pediatric oncology patients. In particular, it is predicted that increased fatigue negatively affects both the physical independence and psychosocial well-being of children. The aim is for the findings to contribute to the development of occupational therapy-based interventions for fatigue management in this patient group and to guide clinical practice.

Inclusion criteria

• Being diagnosed with cancer and actively undergoing treatment.
• Being a child/adolescent between the ages of 2 and 18.
• Volunteering to participate in the study and obtaining informed consent from a parent/legal guardian are required.

Exclusion criteria

• In addition to the oncological diagnosis, the patient may have an additional chronic illness (cardiac, renal, metabolic, etc.) that could affect the outcome.
• Having a serious cognitive or neurological disability that limits the ability to apply data collection tools.