Coping with the physical and psychosocial sequelae of bone marrow transplantation among long-term survivors

Abstract

We used a situation-specific approach to investigate common problems and associated coping processes among long-term survivors of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Surveys were returned by 156 of the 191 (82%) eligible BMT survivors. Work and finance problems were endorsed relatively infrequently by respondents; physical problems and existential concerns were much more common. Problem occurrence was significantly related to demographic and treatment variables. The choice of coping mechanisms was related to the type of problem being faced: Significant effects were observed for four coping mechanisms from the COPE Inventory-active coping, suppression of competing activities, restraint, and acceptance. The differences were between one type of problem, infertility concern, and one or more of three other categories of problems (other physical problems, existential concerns, and work/finance problems) nominated by survivors. Some methodological considerations and directions for future research are outlined.

Stress among allogeneic bone marrow transplantation patients

“…In agreement with previous studies [19], however, stress domains related to the physical impact of BMT such as "Side-effects", "Long-lasting treatment", and "Physical outcome" were perceived, on the average, as the most stressful, the least controllable, and were also experienced most often. Somerfield et al [19] also noted that interpersonal difficulties were the second most frequently reported concern.…”

“…Somerfield et al [19] also noted that interpersonal difficulties were the second most frequently reported concern. In the present study, however, the stress cluster describing family-related stress was perceived as a separate and highly stressful domain.…”

Social networks and quality of life for long-term survivors of leukemia and lymphoma

“…Some studies specific to survivors of leukemia and lymphoma, including Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, have identified medical and psychosocial outcomes such as a restricted role function at work and in daily activities, lack of energy, difficulties obtaining health insurance, education problems linked to missed school, and financial strain [15][16][17][18]. Others have identified concerns including anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, and low rates of marriage and sexual activity [19,20].…”

The psychosocial impact of bone marrow transplantation: a review of the literature

“…Results indicated that BMT survivors continued to have several debilitating physical symptoms 10 years following treatment, with fatigue rated as their second most problematic concern. 8 While several descriptive studies have indicated that BMT recipients frequently complain of fatigue, weakness, decreased energy and insomnia in their long-term recovery from BMT, 4,8,13,14,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26] most have not provided comparisons with normative samples. Two anomalous studies provide valuable insight into the experience of fatigue in BMT survivors.…”