Factors affecting post-traumatic growth in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients in South Korea: a...

While most studies on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have focused on its negative impact, recent research has highlighted the concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG), where individuals experience positive psychological changes after a traumatic event. However, research on PTG in HSCT recipients remains limited. This study aimed to examine PTG as the primary outcome among HSCT recipients and identify key psychosocial and clinical predictors.

Adult HSCT recipients within 1 year of transplantation at a university hospital in Seoul were enrolled from March 2018 to March 2022. Participants completed structured questionnaires, and treatment-related data were extracted from electronic medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis.

Overall, 106 patients were enrolled. The average PTG score was 73.75, with higher scores observed in autologous transplant recipients compared to those who received transplants from sibling and unrelated donor transplants. Significant factors influencing PTG included marital status (β=-2.91, p < .001), positive changes after transplantation (β=-0.196, p < .009), rumination (β = 0.298, p < .001), transplant type (β = 0.268, p < .001), and social support (β = 0.191, p < .006), with the regression model explaining 53% of the variance (F = 20.773, p < .001).

Our findings underscore the need for tailored interventions that address key factors influencing PTG in HSCT recipients. They also highlight the essential role of oncology nurses in assessing psychosocial needs and implementing individualized, evidence-based care strategies to support psychological recovery and promote PTG.