Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explain the relationship between fatigue and other variables(perceived health status, marital adjustment and stress), and define the main factors influencing fatigue in middle aged women.
METHODS
Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires from 212 middle aged women. Data analysis was done with the SPSS 11.0 pc+ program for descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
The mean score of fatigue was 2.30(+/-0.46), perceived health status was 2.82(+/-0.68), marital adjustment was 2.86(+/-0.44), and stress was 2.43(+/-0.61). There were significant correlations between fatigue and the other variables(r=.56-.21, p=.00). The major factors that affect fatigue in middle aged women were stress, perceived health status, and marital adjustment, which explained 35.2% of fatigue.
CONCLUSION
These variables have an effect on middle aged women's fatigue. Therefore, these findings can provide the basis for the development of nursing interventions to manage fatigue.

• Keywords: Women; Fatigue; Health status; Adjustment; Stress