The predictive power of disease management of parents with children with cancer on fatigue and sleepiness levels

Abstract

This study was conducted as a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional research to determine the predictive power of disease management of parents of children with cancer on fatigue and sleepiness levels. Study data were collected by using a Parent Information Form, the Chalder Fatigue Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Family Management Measure. Mean scores, percentage calculations, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of data. Three models were created according to the relationship between the variables in the multiple regression analysis. In Model 1, the first sub-dimension of the disease management scale explained 59.7% of the level of fatigue and sleepiness. In Model 2, the second sub-dimension of the disease management scale explained 69.4% of the level of fatigue and sleepiness. In Model 3, the third sub-dimension of the disease management scale explained 67.5% of the level of fatigue and sleepiness. Childhood cancer is a family disease that affects parents as well as children. This is an important study revealing the effect of chronic disease management on the fatigue and daytime sleepiness of parents with children with cancer. Considering the outcomes of this study, nurses should be aware of the possible effects of disease management on the level of fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Nurses should not forget that families who cannot manage chronic diseases effectively and successfully may have high levels of fatigue and sleepiness.