Treatment Adherence and Fatigue in Iron Deficiency

Overview

Iron Deficiency Anemia is an important health problem. Iron deficiency anemia constitutes half of the anemia seen in the world, and children and women constitute the group with iron deficiency anemia in our country. The treatment is iron replacement by oral or parenteral route. Due to the side effects of the drugs given in the treatment, the patients have difficulty in adapting to the treatment and there is a change in their fatigue levels. It is thought that the education given to the patients will increase their compliance with the treatment. It is thought that patients' hospital admissions and fatigue levels may change in the failure to comply with the treatment. In this study, the effect of the education given on the treatment compliance and fatigue of the patients will be investigated. This research will help patients with iron deficiency anemia whether they need education, the importance of treatment compliance and their fatigue levels.

Iron Deficiency Anemia (DEA) is one of the acquired anemia, which is seen as a result of insufficient intake of iron necessary for the body or rapid decrease in iron stores. It is the most common anemia in the world and constitutes 50% of anemias. It is stated that the incidence is increasing in low-income societies. In studies on adults, the frequency of IDA is around 20%, and it is most commonly seen in women due to pregnancy and menstruation. The aim of the "Turkey Like Iron" program, which was started in our country in 2004, is to try to prevent iron deficiency anemia as new generations are the adults of the future. The most common findings in patients with iron deficiency anemia are fatigue, weakness, activity intolerance, hair loss and thinning, thinning-breaking-flattening of nails, and headache. The reason for fatigue, which is one of these symptoms, is the decrease in the amount of oxygen carried to the tissues as a result of the low hemoglobin level in the blood. Depending on the inability to carry enough oxygen to the muscles, activity intolerance occurs in people. The degree of anemia affects the severity of fatigue. The severity of fatigue also affects the person's ability to perform activities of daily living. Oral or parenteral iron replacements are used in the treatment of anemia that causes fatigue and activity intolerance. However, some side effects may be seen in patients due to the use of oral iron drugs. These side effects are stated as tooth discoloration, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and darkening of stool color. Patients cannot continue treatment due to these side effects. Trainings given to patients to increase adherence to treatment can be effective in coping with the treatment process and side effects. It is stated that the symptoms experienced by the patients who continue the treatment will decrease in a short time such as 1 month. However, it was stated by the experts that the treatment should be continued for 3-6 months in order to replace the iron stores. When the increase in the hemoglobin values of the patients who continue the treatment and the oxygen carried to the tissues reach a sufficient level, the symptoms such as fatigue and activity intolerance will decrease and disappear over time. Considering the authorities and responsibilities of the nursing profession, one of the most important is to provide training in line with the needs of the patient and their relatives. Nurses provide training to individuals in order to protect and improve the health of the individual, family and society, and to gain the right health behaviors to improve in case of illness. From past to present, training given to patients by healthcare professionals increases patients' adherence to treatment.