Islamic Mindfulness-Based Caring as an Intervention to Manage Fatigue

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to determine the effects of Islamic Mindfulness-based Caring (IMC) on fatigue among breast cancer patients. Design: A quasi-experimental study was undertaken in the chemotherapy unit of a hospital, in Bandung, Indonesia. Methods: A total of 112 females with stage III breast cancer undertaking chemotherapy treatment were recruited by purposive sampling technique. The experimental group (n = 53) was given both IMC and usual care, whereas the control group (n = 59) received only the usual care. Data were collected on days 1, 3, 23, and 44 using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) and demographic information tools. Data analyses were carried out with the Mixed-Effects Linear Regression. Findings: We found a significant difference in fatigue between the control and experimental groups on days 23 (mean: 29.34–34.92; p = .001) and 44 (mean: 28.68–37.89; p < .001) after IMC intervention. The increase of time was significantly associated with a lower fatigue score (p < .05). Mixed-Effect Linear Regression showed a significant interaction between time and intervention of IMC effect on fatigue score on time-4 (adjusted β coefficient: 6.62; 95% CI: 2.17–11.06). Conclusions: Nurse-administered IMC is capable of reducing fatigue among breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy.