Psychosocial adaptation of patients and families following bone marrow transplantation: a prospective, longitudinal study

Abstract

Using a prospective, repeated measures design, this study investigated the psychosocial functioning of patients and a close relative pre- and post-allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT). All patients (n = 28) undergoing BMT in a 1 year period, and their relatives, were interviewed 1 week pre-transplant and at 3, 6 and 12 months post-BMT, using quantitative and qualitative measures. Pre-transplant data revealed a high level of anxiety (61% with moderate to severe anxiety), and a low level of depression (14% with moderate to severe depression). Twelve patients died in the study period. For the surviving patients there was a statistically significant improvement in physical, psychological and social functioning. Most relatives (88%) reported considerable psychological distress pre-transplant and at 3 months post-transplant, but this was largely resolved by 12 months post-transplant. Significant correlations between the relative’s distress and patient’s physical and psychological wellbeing were observed at 3 months post-transplant, but not at the other assessment points. The findings from this study will help in counselling patients and their relatives as to what to expect in the year following BMT.