Predictors of quality of life in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation survivors

Abstract

Objectives

To establish the demographic, medical, transplant, and lifestyle factors that impact Quality of Life (QoL) in long-term survivors of allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT).

Design

Cross-sectional study utilizing self-report measures.

Sample/Methods

In this cross-sectional study of 441 adult survivors of allo-HSCT, participants completed questionnaires assessing QoL, psychological, social, demographic, and clinical variables.

Findings

Factors associated with improved QoL post-allo-HSCT included time since transplant, female gender, attendance at outpatient appointments, health screening uptake, exercise, and resumption of travel. Factors significantly associated with impaired QoL included chronic morbidities (GVHD), taking psychotropic medication, failure to resume sexual activity (in men), male gender, psychological distress, low income or decline in work status, transition to non-physical work, and necessity for post-allo-HSCT care from various health professionals.

Implications for Psychosocial Providers

Identification of survivors more likely to experience a reduced QoL following allo-HSCT may enable the targeting of health services to the most vulnerable, and the development of interventions and resources. The data from this study led to the development of HSCT Long-Term Follow Up Clinical Guidelines in New South Wales.

Keywords:

• Quality of life
• psychosocial
• bone marrow transplantation
• hematopoietic stem cell transplant
• cancer
• allogeneic

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest and no competing financial interests in relation to the work described.

Ethical approval

The study protocol was approved by the Northern Sydney Coast Human Research Ethics Committee (NSLHD Reference: 1207-217M).

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.