Physical and psychosocial functioning in patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation – a prospective study

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively physical and psychosocial functioning in patients with malignant blood disorders undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT), and relate the findings to the patients’ coping capacity. Twenty patients participated in the study before ABMT, 14 survivors at the 2–6 month follow-up and 12 at the 8–12 month follow-up. Three standardized questionnaires were used: the EORTC QLQ-C30, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and the Sense of Coherence scale. No significant changes over time were found in the scores of the QLQ-C30 and HAD. Impaired social function, fatigue, dyspnea, financial problems and emotional distress were the most frequently reported deficits. Functional limitations were related to less successful coping. The results indicate that the patients in this study perceive their physical and psychosocial functioning as rather good before, as well as up to 1 year after the ABMT, as measured with the instruments used.