Effect of Fatigue on Physical Activity among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

Back ground: Many patients with liver cirrhosis perceive lower physical functioning and more fatigue than non-cirrhotic individuals. Aim: this study aimed to assess effect of fatigue on physical activity level among patients with liver cirrhosis. Design: A descriptive explorative study was utilized to meet the aim of this study. Setting: Medical ICU departments at Arab Contractors Medical Center at Nasr city. Study subjects: The study subjects included purposeful (40) of patients with liver cirrhosis were recruited according to their agreement to participate in the study. Tools: Three tools were used in this study, (I) patients interview questionnaire sheet for assessing patients’ knowledge regarding the disease, (II) fatigue inventory symptoms and (III) seven days’ physical activity recall scale. Results: Revealed that 90% patients participating in this study suffered from mild-to-severe fatigue and their engagement in physical activity of moderate or higher intensity was decreased. Among all, biliary cirrhotic patients who were classified as Child C patients with abnormal values of hemoglobin had the highest fatigue level (15%) and rarely, engagement in physical activities in comparison with other patients. A significant negative correlation was found between the fatigue level and physical activity level. Conclusion: Patients with liver cirrhosis can experience severe fatigue, which may reduce their level of physical activity. Recommendations: Encourage practicing of favorite sports exercise to reduce feeling of fatigue and disability and improve their communication with other people.