RESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of cancer-related fatigue among currently working cancer survivors. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and ICHUSHI databases. The risk of bias was evaluated independently using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS). A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence, severity, and related factors associated with cancer-related fatigue among currently working cancer survivors. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 18 studies and revealed that 42.2% of currently working cancer survivors experience cancer-related fatigue. The fatigue severity in this group was significantly higher than that in workers without cancer (absolute standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.67), but lower than that in cancer survivors who had previously worked and were not currently working (absolute SMD = 0.72). Distress was identified as a potential risk factor for cancer-related fatigue in working cancer survivors (partial correlation coefficient = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of cancer-related fatigue among employed cancer survivors underscores the need for targeted workplace interventions and fatigue management strategies. While the severity of fatigue is less than that seen in non-working survivors, the comparison with the general working population highlights a significant health disparity. The association between distress and fatigue suggests the necessity for a holistic approach to fatigue management that considers both physical and mental factors in working cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Our findings highlight the critical need for healthcare professionals and employers to monitor fatigue levels among working cancer survivors and offer appropriate support.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether laughter yoga (LY), i.e., simulated laughter, alters cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels and cortisol/DHEA (C/D) ratios. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, 120 healthy university students were allocated to experiencing LY, watching a comedy movie (spontaneous laughter), or reading a book. Salivary cortisol and DHEA levels were measured immediately before, immediately after, and 30â¯min after the intervention. RESULTS: Cortisol levels and C/D ratios significantly decreased by time in the LY and comedy movie groups. Significant group*time interactions were found between these two groups for cortisol levels and C/D ratios. DHEA levels did not change by time in the LY group. CONCLUSIONS: LY decreased cortisol levels and C/D ratios but did not affect DHEA levels. Simulated and spontaneous laughter differently affected the dynamics of cortisol levels and C/D ratios. Effect of spontaneous laughter on the cortisol dynamics lasted longer than that of simulated laughter. (UMIN000019409).