Cancer-Related Fatigue, Psychological Symptoms, and Sleep Quality and Influencing Factors in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Cancer-Related Fatigue, Psychological Symptoms (Anxiety and depression), and poor sleep quality are prevalent among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. These psychological symptoms can significantly impair the overall well-being and treatment adherence of patients. To examine cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality among patients receiving chemotherapy, and to determine how these symptoms vary according to selected demographic and clinical characteristics. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted at An Najah National University Hospital. A convenience sample of 150 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy was recruited. Among 150 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, fatigue was the most prevalent symptom (24.93 ± 13.05), with higher levels reported by males compared to females, <i>t</i>(147) = 2.49, <i>P</i> = .014, and by married patients (<i>P</i> < .001). Anxiety and depression affected 69.3% and 67.1% of patients, respectively, with 25.2% experiencing moderate to severe anxiety and 28.1% experiencing moderate to severe depression. 52.7% of patients reported poor sleep quality. Fatigue was strongly correlated with sleep quality (r = .644, <i>P</i> < .001) and moderately correlated with anxiety (r = .390, <i>P</i> < .01) and depression (r = .372, <i>P</i> < .01). Symptom severity varied significantly according to cancer stage (<i>P</i> < .01), type (<i>P</i> < .05), duration (<i>P</i> < .01), income, and education (<i>P</i> < .05). The findings underscore the critical need for comprehensive cancer care that addresses not only the physical aspects of fatigue and sleep disturbances but also the psychological impacts of anxiety and depression.