Williams, S. A. & Schreier, A. M. (2005). The role of education in managing fatigue, anxiety, and sleep disorders in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Applied Nursing Research, 18, 138–147.

A 20-minute audiotape was used that included education about the self-care behaviors of exercise and relaxation to manage anxiety, fatigue, and sleep problems. A self-care diary mirrored the audiotape. The control group received education about side effects. Outcomes were fatigue, anxiety, and sleep.

• The sample was comprised of 71 patients.
• Mean age was 50.4 years (range 30–74).
• Of the patients, 85% had stage I or II breast cancer and were receiving chemotherapy regimens with cyclophosphamide.

• Tertiary medical center and a satellite cancer treatment clinic
• Southeastern United States

Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.

The study was a randomized, controlled trial.

A modified self-care diary measured the number of side effects, severity of each side effect, number of self-care behaviors performed for each side effect, and the effectiveness of each self-care behavior.

More women in the control group reported difficulty sleeping at baseline; both groups experienced increased severity of sleep disturbance between the first and second self-care diary.

• Control was lacking regarding how much and what kind of information was given to women at the time of treatment. The use of the self-care audiotapes may have been insufficient.
• The trial had a small sample size.