Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Multidimensional Analysis of Cancer-Related Fatigue: The Predictive Role of Hope and Age at Diagnosis in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Farhad Azadmehr 1
Bafrin Afkhami 2
Kosar Membari 1
Bita Fathiyan 3
1 Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Clinical Care Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran
2 MSc in Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty Member, Boukan Nursing Faculty, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
3 MSc in Community Health Nursing, Faculty Member, Boukan Nursing Faculty, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i858.0561
Abstract
Background: Cancer-related fatigue is a complex, multidimensional experience that can disrupt patients’ physical and psychological functioning and hinder adaptation to illness. Beyond clinical factors, positive psychological resources such as hope may be associated with a lower fatigue burden. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between hope and cancer-related fatigue and to examine whether age and age at diagnosis could predict hope levels among patients with cancer.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study with a correlational approach was conducted on 160 patients with cancer attending oncology outpatient clinics at selected hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a demographic and clinical information form, a short-form multidimensional fatigue instrument, and the Herth Hope Index. Analyses were performed in Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent-samples T-test, One-way ANOVA, and multivariable linear regression.
Results: The mean age of participants was 51.55 ± 14.27 years, and the mean age at cancer diagnosis was 53.69 ± 14.01 years. The mean hope score was 15.30 ± 3.11, and the mean total fatigue score was 16.16 ± 12.14. Higher hope was associated with lower total fatigue, and a similar inverse pattern was observed across fatigue dimensions. Hope showed a significant negative association with age, whereas fatigue was not significantly associated with age. In multivariable regression, age and age at diagnosis were significant predictors of hope. Moreover, marital status and family history of cancer contributed significantly to the fatigue model.
Conclusion: Cancer-related fatigue appears to be multidimensional, and hope may act as a protective factor associated with reduced fatigue severity. Age at diagnosis also seems relevant to differences in hope levels. Integrating positive psychological variables alongside clinical indicators may support the development of more comprehensive and effective care strategies for patients with cancer

Highlights

Farhad Azadmehr: Google Scholar, PubMed

Bafrin Afkhami: Google Scholar, PubMe

Bita Fathiyan: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords
Cancer
Cancer-related fatigue
Hope
Age of onset
Oncology nursing, malignancy
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 858
2nd Week, June
May and June 2026
Pages 561-567

  • Receive Date 01 June 2026
  • Accept Date 08 June 2026