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

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.