Health-related quality of life of children and adolescents after hematopoietic stem cell transplantationa.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and to examine factors influencing HRQoL.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 85 participants aged 10 to 19 years who received treatment from 3 months to 5 years after HSCT. Symptom experiences, stress and coping, self-esteem, social support, and HRQoL were measured. Descriptive analysis, the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The mean HRQoL score was 72.26 points out of 100. HRQoL showed statistically significant correlations with symptom experiences, stress, self-esteem, social support, satisfaction with peer relationships, and perceived attentiveness of the medical team. The most influential predictors of HRQoL were symptom experiences (β=-.51, <.001) and satisfaction with peer relationships (β=.32, <.001).

CONCLUSION

The experiences of different symptoms by children and adolescents who receive HSCT must be considered. In addition, nursing interventions, such as self-help meetings with peer groups, should be provided to improve their HRQoL.