Correlates of fatigue in Koreans with chronic lung disease

Objectives The purpose of this study is to explain the multidimensional characteristics of fatigue in Korean persons with chronic lung disease. Framework The Unpleasant Symptom Theory by Lenz et al (1995) provided the theoretical framework for the study. Design A descriptive correlational study design was used. Sample A convenience sample of 128 subjects (age = 64.2 ± 11.3; forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted value = 64.5 ± 28.8%) was recruited from the outpatient respiratory clinic at a large university hospital in Korea. Instruments Fatigue was measured with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. To identify the factors influencing fatigue, demographic variables, physiological variables, psychological variables, and a situational variable were measured. Results Subjects had a moderate degree of fatigue in general. The mean score for physical fatigue was relatively higher than that of mental fatigue. Using regression analysis, 48.4% of the variance in overall fatigue was explained by dyspnea and negative mood state. Conclusion This study provides an understanding of multidimensional characteristics of fatigue experienced by Korean persons with chronic lung disease. It suggests that nurses need to include fatigue in their assessments and develop interventions to decrease dyspnea and negative mood in the management of fatigue.