Author(s): BARAKOU, I., SEVES, S., ABONIE, U., FINCH, T., HACKETT, K., HETTINGA, F., Institution: NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 796

INTRODUCTION:
Fatigue and inactivity are linked to decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with chronic conditions. A multidimensional approach to activity pacing targeting physical, psychological, and social factors holds promise for improving HRQoL through promoting physical activity engagement and alleviating fatigue. A transdiagnostic approach to fatigue in adults with chronic conditions is crucial, especially when underlying causes are unknown. Such approaches offer a comprehensive understanding of fatigues multidimensionality, valuable for researchers and clinicians. This study aimed to examine (1) associations between HRQoL and indices of fatigue and pacing in adults with chronic conditions, including perceived fatigue, engagement in pacing, perceived risk of overactivity, physical activity (self-reported & device-based), self-regulation of physical activity, and (2) if these associations are different for the subscales physical, social, emotional, and functional well-being.
METHODS:
Survey and ActiGraph (7 days) data of 66 adults with chronic conditions, experiencing fatigue, were collected. Multivariable linear mixed model analyses were performed. First, HRQoL was the dependent variable, and one of the six indices of fatigue and pacing factors was the independent variable together with confounders: pacing groups, gender, age, body mass index (BMI), duration of condition, and years of fatigue management advice. Second, interaction effects with the HRQoL domains (physical, social, functional, and emotional well-being) were added to the models.
RESULTS:
HRQoL was significantly associated with fatigue(B=-7.82; p=<.001), engagement in pacing(B=-.23; p=.006), self-regulation of physical activity(B=0.11; p=.013), and self-reported physical activity(B=1.32; p=.046), when corrected for confounders. Significant interaction effects were found in the models with fatigue, engagement in pacing, perceived risk of overactivity, and self-reported and device-based physical activity.
CONCLUSION:
Reduced fatigue is associated with enhanced HRQoL, while corrected for confounders, stressing the significance of effective fatigue management. Higher levels of self-regulatory behaviour in physical activity, corrected for confounders, and increased physical activity are linked to enhanced HRQoL, emphasising the benefits of appropriate physical activity behaviours. Lower levels of fatigue, more engagement in pacing and higher levels of physical activity have a greater impact on the physical subscale of HRQoL compared to the other subscales. Higher levels of perceived risk of overactivity and physical activity have a greater impact on the social subscale of HRQoL. The overall findings provide insights into the relationships between fatigue, pacing, self-regulation, physical activity, and their associations with HRQoL and well-being aspects underscoring the importance of a multidimensional approach to fatigue management.