Background A debilitating late effect for childhood cancer survivors (CCS) is cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Little is known about the prevalence and risk factors of fatigue in this population. Here... Show moreBackground A debilitating late effect for childhood cancer survivors (CCS) is cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Little is known about the prevalence and risk factors of fatigue in this population. Here we describe the methodology of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Late Effect Study on fatigue (DCCSS LATER fatigue study). The aim of the DCCSS LATER fatigue study is to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with CRF, proposing a model which discerns predisposing, triggering, maintaining and moderating factors. Triggering factors are related to the cancer diagnosis and treatment during childhood and are thought to trigger fatigue symptoms. Maintaining factors are daily life- and psychosocial factors which may perpetuate fatigue once triggered. Moderating factors might influence the way fatigue symptoms express in individuals. Predisposing factors already existed before the diagnosis, such as genetic factors, and are thought to increase the vulnerability to develop fatigue. Methodology of the participant inclusion, data collection and planned analyses of the DCCSS LATER fatigue study are presented. Results Data of 1955 CCS and 455 siblings was collected. Analysis of the data is planned and we aim to start reporting the first results in 2022. Conclusion The DCCSS LATER fatigue study will provide information on the epidemiology of CRF and investigate the role of a broad range of associated factors in CCS. Insight in associated factors for fatigue in survivors experiencing severe and persistent fatigue may help identify individuals at risk for developing CRF and may aid in the development of interventions. Show less
Marques, M.M.; De Gucht, V.; Gouveia, M.J.; Leal, I.; Maes, S. 2015
Unexplained Chronic Fatigue (CF) is of unknown aetiology, but research suggests a multifactorial nature in which biological/physical, psychological and social fators interact. Treatment approaches... Show moreUnexplained Chronic Fatigue (CF) is of unknown aetiology, but research suggests a multifactorial nature in which biological/physical, psychological and social fators interact. Treatment approaches for CF target mainly perpetuating factors of fatigue chronicity, such as lack of physical activity. This thesis describes a brief self-regulation-based intervention targeting physical activity for patients with CF. Prior to this intervention study we conducted a series of studies that were important for the development of the trial: (1) a validation of a measure of fatigue severity for the language and population in which we intended to implement the intervention, (2) a comparison of clinical characteristics and behavioural and cognitive determinants of CFS in a Dutch and a Portuguese patient sample, and (3) a systematic review and meta-analysis of behavioural interventions with a graded activity component conducted with CF patients. In a randomized controlled trial (n=91), the self-regulation based intervention led to significant sustained effects (1 year) on fatigue severity, quality of life and physical activity. Sustained benefits on fatigue severity were partially explained by progress on a personal physical activity goal, and use of self-regulation skills. Findings are discussed in terms of its implications for practice, methodological considerations and avenues for future research. Show less
