Effect of Nurse-Led Intervention on Headache Pain, Anxiety, and Fatigue Levels among Patients with Brain Tumors

Research Abstract

English Summary Title: Effect of Nurse-Led Intervention on Headache Pain, Anxiety, and Fatigue Levels among Patients with Brain Tumors Authors: Eman Mokhtar Mohamed Gaber, Hayah Abou Elazayiem Bayumi, Ahmed Mostafa Shehata, Amora Omar Ibrahim Elmowafy Journal: Egyptian Journal of Health Care (2022) 1. Background: Headache, anxiety, and fatigue are among the most common and distressing symptoms for patients with brain tumors, significantly impacting their quality of life. While these symptoms are prevalent, there is a need for effective non-pharmacological management strategies. Nurses play a crucial role in patient education and support, suggesting that structured, nurse-led interventions could be beneficial. 2. Aim: To investigate the effect of a nurse-led intervention on headache pain, anxiety, and fatigue levels among patients with brain tumors. 3. Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental study (one group pre-test/post-test design). Setting & Sample: Neurosurgery Department at Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. A purposive sample of 50 adult brain tumor patients. Intervention: A structured, nurse-led educational program delivered over four sessions (total of two hours). It covered topics such as: Brain anatomy and diagnostic procedures. Post-operative care and complication management. Seizure management, nutrition, rest, exercise, stress reduction, and communication. Data Collection Tools: Tool I: Structured interview questionnaire (socio-demographic and medical data). Tool II: Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRS). Tool III: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Tool IV: Fatigue Assessment Scale. Data was collected before and one month after the intervention. 4. Key Results: Headache Pain: The mean pain score decreased significantly from 6.69 ± 2.47 before the intervention to 2.73 ± 2.17 after the intervention (p < 0.001). Anxiety: The mean anxiety score showed a highly significant reduction from 39.49 ± 4.43 to 24.13 ± 2.36 (p < 0.001). Fatigue: The intervention led to a dramatic improvement in fatigue levels. Before the intervention, 56% of patients reported severe or worst-level fatigue, and 0% reported having no fatigue. After the intervention, 0% reported severe or worst-level fatigue, and 8% reported no fatigue. The mean fatigue score decreased significantly from 27.76 ± 4.03 to 14.03 ± 1.43 (p < 0.001). 5. Conclusion: The nurse-led intervention had a significant positive effect on reducing headache pain, anxiety, and fatigue levels in patients with brain tumors. This underscores the critical role nurses can play in managing the debilitating symptoms associated with this condition. 6. Recommendations: Integrate structured nurse-led interventions into the standard rehabilitation programs for brain tumor patients. Use the developed educational booklet and illustrated pamphlets to educate patients, which proved effective in this study. Replicate the study on a larger scale and in different settings to generalize the findings.

Research Keywords

Anxiety, Fatigue level, Nurse-led intervention, Pain level, Patients with brain tumors