title: Patients' quality of life after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: mixed-methods study.
abstract: Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an increasingly widespread therapy method. It is associated with many socio-psychological and physical risks. Forty-four subjects, who were clinically monitored at the Bolzano BMT Centre including a follow-up period of at least 3 months, completed the questionnaire Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplantation (version 4). Semi-structured, problem-oriented interviews were conducted with seven randomly selected subjects, the results of which were subjected to a summarising content analysis according to Mayring. The results from the quantitative and qualitative parts were compared based on triangulation. In the random sample, 22.7% stated that they were highly satisfied with their current quality of life (QOL). Throughout all dimensions of the questionnaire, women showed lower scores than men. The results revealed a positive correlation between the post-HSCT period and QOL (r(s)=0.338, P=0.025), especially regarding the social/family (r(s)=0.411, P=0.006) and emotional well-being (r(s)=0.306, P=0.043). The interviews primarily revealed dependence and inability to work. The support received from family, friends and hospital staff and the shift in priorities because of the transplantation were perceived as positive. The comparison mainly leads to corresponding results of the quantitative and qualitative parts of the study. Patient self-rating using questionnaires and interviews plays a direct and relevant role in the assessment of the QOL after allogeneic HSCT.
authors.affiliation: Gesundheitsbetrieb Suedtirol Health Authority, St. Jakob/Ahrntal, Italy. sarahshebe@hotmail.com
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Niederbacher
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Them
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pinna
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vittadello
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mantovan
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D055815:Young Adult