The effects of Orem’s self-care model on the nutrition status and fatigue of colorectal cancer patients

Background and Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most highly prevalent and life-threatening digestive tract cancers. CRC and its treatment are associated with numerous complications in the patients. Orem’s self-care model is a theory on clinical improvement and reducing fatigue in patients with CRC. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Orem’s self-care theory on the nutrition status and fatigue of CRC patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 70 patients diagnosed with CRC in the teaching hospital of Imam Reza in Kermanshah, Iran in 2014. Samples were randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control. Data were collected using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). After data collection, a self-care training program was implemented based on Orem’s self-care theory. Results: Self-care training intervention in the experimental group improved the consumption patterns of fruits (P=0.002), vegetables (P=0.001), and dairy products (P=0.001). Moreover, general fatigue of CRC patients in the experimental group decreased after the intervention (P=0.0001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Orem’s self-care model could reduce the clinical symptoms and fatigue of patients with CRC. Therefore, it is recommended that this model be applied to enhance the self-care behaviors and clinical conditions of CRC patients.