Quality of Life of Jordanians Post Stem Cell Transplantation

Although biomedical outcomes such as overall survival rates have been the first priority of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) treatment, there is also concern regarding the negative effects ofHSCT treatment on survivors' quality of life (QOL). While HSCT is an effective treatment for a number of cancer diagnoses, physical, psychological, and social dysfunction has been associated with this treatment. Given that HSCT is relatively new in Jordan and that no research has been conducted on this procedure in this predominantly Muslim culture, this study was designed to better understand the response of Jordanians to this potentially life changing procedure. The specific aims of this study are to: (1) describe QOL domains that are most likely to deteriorate following HSCT treatment among Jordanian cancer survivors; (2) examine how QOL among Jordanian HSCT survivors differs from an age-, gender- and education-matched healthy comparison group; (3) identify demographic and medical variables, as well as self-reported symptom prevalence and severity, associated with variance in post-HSCT QOL. The conceptual framework developed by Ferrell et al. (2001 a, 2001b) provides the foundation for the proposed study. The specific aims will be accomplished with cross-sectional and exploratory design. Participants for this study are survivors (n = 70) who have undergone HSCT at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) in Jordan and healthy participants in the comparison group (n = 70). Participants in both groups will be asked to complete the demographic data form and the EORTC QLQ-C30. In addition, HSCT survivors will be asked to complete the Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) (Arabic version), a needs assessment addendum to EORTC (Arabic version), and three open-ended questions to measure spirituality. Information about diagnosis and disease status at time of transplant, time since transplant, type of transplant, and the severity of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) for allogeneic transplant will be obtained from the survivors' medical records. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the first aim. Paired t-tests will be used to compare the means of the three domains scores and the overall QOL between the HSCT and the comparison group. Correlational and multiple regression analyses will be used to evaluate the value of using the demographic variables, the medical variables, and symptom prevalence and severity in predicting physical well-being and symptoms, psychological well-being, and social well-being. This study will help in understanding the QOL dimensions of Jordanians who have experienced HSCT. This understanding will help in determining needs, developing interventions, and evaluating the outcomes of interventions. In addition to improving the care of Jordanians within their country, the outcomes of this study have the potential to assist nurses and other health care professionals to better understand the needs of Arabs and Muslims residing in the United States who have undergone this procedure. Outcomes of the proposed study will form the foundation for a later intervention study.