Fatigue and Factors Influencing Fatigue in Middle-aged Adults by Age Groups

Kim, Hee Kyung

doi:2006.12.4.273

Korean J Women Health Nurs > Volume 12(4); 2006 > Article

Original Article

Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing 2006;12(4):273-281.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2006.12.4.273

Fatigue and Factors Influencing Fatigue in Middle-aged Adults by Age Groups

Hee Kyung Kim

Department of Nursing, Kongju National University, 326 Okryong-dong, Kongju city, Chungnam, Korea. hkkim@kongju.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for nursing programs to reduce fatigue among middle-aged adults by looking at age group differences. METHOD: The study used a secondary analysis design and participants were 315 middle-aged adults. The data was analyzed using chi-square-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
The findings revealed significant age group differences in socio-demographic variables for educational level, job, religion, economic status, consumption of cigarettes, experience with disease, satisfaction with spouse and children, and number of children. Scores of fatigue showed a significant difference between age groups. The factors influencing fatigue for subjects in their thirties were depression, level of education and self-efficacy. For those in their forties, factors were stress, depression, and self-efficacy. For those in their fifties, the factor was stress.
CONCLUSION
For people in their thirties, school education or lifelong learning programs are needed to reduce fatigue. A disease prevention program and a family support program for people in their forties and fifties. Nurses need to provide customized nursing programs related to depression, stress and self-efficacy to reduce fatigue among middle-aged adults based on age groups.

Key Words: Fatigue; Middle aged; Adults