Multidimensional Fatigue in Chinese Meningioma Patients Newly Diagnosed: Prevalence, Severity and Risk Factors

Abstract

Purpose Few studies have assessed fatigue of meningioma patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of multidimensional fatigue, as well as the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese meningioma patients newly diagnosed. Methods This cross-sectional study included 120 Chinese meningioma patients recruited from Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2020 to February 2021. Data were collected before surgery, including demographic, clinical and psychological characteristics, as well as fatigue scores, based on completion of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results The results demonstrated that a high prevalence of severe fatigue for each dimension: general fatigue (33.3%), physical fatigue (27.5%), reduced activity (28.3%), reduced motivation (12.5%), mental fatigue (11.7%), and total fatigue (23.3%). Headache and anxiety were predictors of general fatigue. Depression was an independent predictor of physical fatigue. Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score and depression independently predicted reduced activity. Depression and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score were risk factors predicting reduced motivation, while KPS score and anxiety predicted mental fatigue. Importantly, comorbidity, KPS score, headache, depression, sleep disturbances, and ESS score could predict total fatigue. Furthermore, MFI-20 scores in all dimensions were negatively correlated with Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores in all dimensions. Conclusion Our findings indicate that meningioma patients newly diagnosed are frequently affected by fatigue, potentially contributing to impair HRQoL. For patients with risk factors of fatigue, targeted interventions are advised in order to decrease fatigue and improve HRQoL.