Determination of the Relationship Between Fatigue Levels and Self Care Behaviors in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Descriptive Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the fatigue levels and self-care behaviors (SCB) of patients with breast cancer (BC) and the relationship between fatigue levels and SCB. Material and Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 132 individuals diagnosed with BC between November 2022-February 2023. Introductory Information Form, Cancer Fatigue Scale and Self-Care Behavior Scale According to Self-Care Deficit Theory in Chemotherapy Patients were used as data collection tools in the study. Results: The majority of the participating patients (90.9%) experienced symptoms of weakness and fatigue. Mean Cancer Fatigue Scale score was 21.29±8.23 and the mean Self-Care Behavior Scale According to Self-Care Deficit Theory in Chemotherapy Patients score was 76.44± 11.19. A weak, significant, negative correlation was found between Cancer Fatigue Scale and Self-Care Behavior Scale according to Self-Care Deficit Theory in Chemotherapy Patients scores (r=-0.344, p<0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, the results obtained in the present study revealed that the fatigue level and SCB of patients with BC were at a moderate level. As fatigue levels increased, SCB decreased. Patients receiving cancer treatmant should be monitored for symptoms, and their SCB should be tracked and evaluated at regular intervals.