Fatigue, Self-Care Behavior, and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Home-Based Chemotherapy with a Disposable Elastomeric Infusion Pump

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationships between fatigue, self-care behavior, and quality of life (QoL) among patients receiving home-based chemotherapy with a disposable elastomeric infusion pump and to identify general and disease-related factors associated with QoL. Methods: Data were collected from 145 patients with various cancer types receiving home-based chemotherapy using a disposable elastomeric infusion pump. Fatigue was measured using the Korean version of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) scale. Self-care behavior was assessed with a validated self-report tool, and QoL was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). Results: Fatigue was negatively correlated with QoL, whereas self-care behavior was positively correlated. Among general characteristics, occupation, meal frequency, meal portion size, and the self-reported Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) were significantly associated with QoL. Multiple regression analysis revealed that fatigue, self-care behavior, and self-reported ECOG-PS were significant predictors of overall QoL, with fatigue being the most influential factor. While most QoL domains were associated with fatigue and self-care behavior, the social/family well-being domain showed no significant correlation. Conclusion: Fatigue and self-care behavior are key factors influencing QoL in patients receiving home-based chemotherapy with a disposable elastomeric infusion pump. Targeted interventions, such as individualized fatigue management, nutritional support, and self-care education tailored to the home environment, are essential for improving patient outcomes. This study underscores the need for structured nursing models that support self-management in home-based chemotherapy with a disposable elastomeric infusion pump, particularly during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.