Effects of online oncology yoga and mindfulness-based meditation on Fatigue, Sleep, and Quality of Life in colorectal cancer survivors: a mixed-METHODS study

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of oncology yoga and mindfulness-based meditation (OY and MB) intervention on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. This study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, with a primary focus on quantitative analysis. METHODS: The study was conducted from October 2021 to February 2022, involving 90 patients. Online OY & MB sessions were held over 12 weeks. Data were collected using the Brief Fatigue Inventory, Piper Fatigue Inventory, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a patient information form. Three focus group interviews were conducted online to collect qualitative data. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.57 Å} 10.74 years, and 50.0% were women. After the intervention, significant differences were observed in the post-test scores of Brief Fatigue (t = −5.22), Piper Fatigue (t = −3.72), Sleep Quality (t = −3.54), and Quality of Life (t = −3.41) in the intervention group (p < .001). Participants reported enhanced physical and psychological relaxation, a greater sense of well-being, and perceived benefits from the supportive group environment. CONCLUSION: Yoga and meditation may play a pivotal role in significantly ameliorating fatigue, sleep problems, and subjective conditions that adversely impact the quality of life of CRC patients. Medical challenges, technological limitations, and accessibility issues were also stated as difficulties in attending yoga and meditation practices. Cite this article as: Şengül, T., Oflaz, F., & Karadağ, A. (2026). Effects of online oncology yoga and mindfulness-based meditation on fatigue, sleep, and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors: A mixed-methods study. Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing, 34, 0139, doi: 10.5152/ FNJN.2026.24139.