Quality of life of bone marrow transplant long-term survivors

Adult survivors of bone marrow transplantation not in life threatening relapse were surveyed with a mailed questionnaire 6-149 months after transplant. Of 171 eligible patients, 157 were contacted and 135 (86%) responded. Survivors showed a high degree of overall satisfaction with major life domains but were least satisfied with their bodies, level of physical strength and ability to attain sexual satisfaction. Positive and negative affect were higher than general population samples and less tension, fatigue, confusion and depression were displayed than comparison groups. Multiple regression analyses showed that self-esteem and level of current physical functioning made significant contributions to predicting multiple quality-of-life outcomes. Previous graft-versus-host disease was predictive of low satisfaction with life domains. Lack of social support was predictive of anger and Negative Affect. Transplantation at a younger age was related to overall life satisfaction, vigor and Positive Affect. Women showed more Negative Affect than men. Time since transplant related to level of confusion among patients. Most survivors reported high levels of perceived quality of life on multiple indicators. Self-esteem, current level of physical functioning, social support and age at bone marrow transplantation were predictive of quality of life outcomes.