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Factors associated with fatigue, sleep, and cognitive function among patients with head and neck cancer
Author(s) -
Rogers Laura Q.,
Courneya Kerry S.,
Robbins K. Thomas,
Rao Krishna,
Malone James,
Seiz Alison,
Reminger Sheryl,
Markwell Stephen J.,
Burra Vishal
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.20873
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck cancer , depression (economics) , cognition , cancer , radiation therapy , sleep (system call) , physical therapy , psychiatry , computer science , economics , macroeconomics , operating system
Background. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment are prevalent and clinically important problems among head and neck cancer patients. Our study aim was to determine the most important correlates of these problems among patients with head and neck cancer. Methods. A cross‐sectional, self‐administered survey was completed by 58 (response rate 79%) patients with head and neck cancer in an academic oncology clinic. Results. Multiple linear‐regression analyses demonstrated that fatigue was associated with younger age (β = −0.22), previous radiation therapy (β = 0.23), fewer months since cancer diagnosis (β = −0.25), and depression (β = 0.40). Sleep dysfunction was associated with younger age (β = −0.31) and higher symptom index (β = 0.39). Cognitive dysfunction was associated with higher symptom index only (β = −0.49). Conclusions. Younger age, previous radiation, more recent cancer diagnosis, depression, and more severe symptoms may be associated with fatigue, sleep, and/or cognitive dysfunction. These results suggest at‐risk subgroups warranting more aggressive screening and potentially supportive care interventions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008