The effects of mastery on pain and fatigue resolution.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether mastery, the personal control felt over occurrences perceived to have an important effect on one's life, influences the resolution of pain and fatigue severity.


METHODS
Secondary data analysis of two randomized clinical trials.


METHODS
Accrual from two comprehensive cancer centers, one community oncology program, and six hospital-affiliated ambulatory oncology centers.


METHODS
330 patients with solid tumors who were undergoing chemotherapy and receiving a nurse-presented, six-contact, eight-week intervention for symptom management.


METHODS
Analysis included baseline and interventional data. Logistic regression and survival analysis methods were used to explain relationships between mastery and time to resolution and resolution of pain and fatigue severity.


METHODS
Mastery, pain and fatigue severity resolution, and time to resolution.


RESULTS
No significant differences in mastery were found among key socioeconomic and cancer-related variables. Mastery was a significant predictor of pain resolution status but did not significantly decrease time to resolution. Mastery did not have a significant effect on fatigue resolution status or time to fatigue resolution after adjusting for other covariates.


CONCLUSIONS
Mastery was symptom specific, predicting pain resolution but not fatigue. Cancer may have an equalizing effect on mastery early in diagnosis and treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses should develop interventions that increase mastery in patients with cancer, which may lead to improved resolution of pain. Additional research is needed to explore how mastery may affect resolution of pain severity and other symptoms experienced by people with cancer.
Byma
Elizabeth A
EA
College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA. bymaeliz@msu.edu
Given
Barbara A
BA
Given
Charles W
CW
You
Mei
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016896:Treatment Outcome