title: Using Q-methodology to understand perceived fatigue reported by adolescents with cancer.
abstract: Although fatigue is an unpleasant symptom commonly experienced by pediatric oncology patients, it also tends to be under-recognized and under-treated. A conceptual understanding of how patients perceive fatigue is beneficial for better identification and treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to understand how adolescents with cancer perceive their fatigue and to explore potential factors influencing their perceptions by using Q-methodology. The sample included 15 patients (ages 12-18 years) from the Chicago metropolitan area who were receiving cancer treatment. All participants completed a 37-statement Q-sort task. Data were analyzed by using PQMethod computer software. Results identified three descriptors of perceived fatigues reported by adolescents: energy and related capacity for physical functioning, psychosocial effects, and anemia-specific concerns. Appropriate referral for patients with the latter two descriptors of fatigue was recommended.
authors.affiliation: Center on Outcomes, Research and Education, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Illinois 60201, USA. js-lai@northwestern.edu
authors.forename: Jin-Shei
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Mary Jo
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kupst
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cella
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Peterman
authors.forename: Stewart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Goldman
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011779:Q-Sort / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012803:Sick Role