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The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with fatigue in African American women with end stage renal disease. Twenty-seven of 36 women in the sample were fatigued. Correlations were found with mood disorder and fatigue (p <.001), social support and uremic malnutrition (p =.003), and anemia and fatigue (p =.012) and mood disorder (p =.039). Anemia, uremic malnutrition, mood disorder, and social support explained 38% of variance in fatigue scores (F = 4.768 [4, 31]; p = .004). Future studies testing interventions that mitigate fatigue are warranted.
Goal
To increase the knowledge of nephrology nurses about factors that affect fatigue in African American women requiring hemodialysis.
Objectives
1. Describe the factors affecting fatigue as used in a study of African American women requiring hemodialysis.
2. Summarize the physical, psychological, and situational factors that affect symptoms of fatigue in those requiring hemodialysis.
3. Relate the results of a study on the effects of fatigue on African American women requiring hemodialysis.
Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 7 million people in the United States (Coresh et al., 2005), and many of these progress to end stage renal disease (ESRD) which requires transplant or some form of dialysis to sustain life with the majority receiving hemodialysis. African Americans are burdened more by ESRD than any other racial group in America and account for approximately 32% of patients diagnosed with ESRD (United States Renal Data System [USRDS], 2007).
Patients on hemodialysis experience many side effects due both to the disease process and the treatment regimen. Fatigue is one of the most common side effects and has been shown to be a common stressor for those on hemodialysis (Curtin, Bultman, Thomas-Hawkins, Walters, & Schatell, 2002; Lok, 1996; McCann & Boore, 2000; Sklar, Riesenberg, Silber, Ahmed, & Ali, 1996). The fatigue experienced by individuals with ESRD has been described as common and incapacitating (Evans, 1999). Increased effort is required for those with fatigue to carry out cognitive and physical activities, and fatigue also affects role performance and functional status (McCann & Boore, 2000). Fatigue has been related to depression, anxiety, and significant problems with work and other activities (McCann & Boore, 2000; Sklar et al., 1996). Thus, fatigue experienced by women with ESRD has the potential to alter...