J Korean Acad Nurs.  1998 Sep;28(3):760-772.

The meaning of Quality of Life for Bone Marrow Transplant Survivors

• Oh PJ

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of quality of life for bone marrow transplant (BMT) survivors and to gain understanding of nursing interventions that may improve QOL in this population. The data was gathered from 32 BMT survivors using seven open-ended questions. The items were based on previous research of Ferrell et al., (1992) . Content analysis was performed on written responses to seven questions regarding BMT and QOL. The results were as follows : 1. The meaning of QOL for BMT survivors were "being heart", "being able to take a role", "having relationships", "self-accomplishment", "peace of mind", "spiritual well -being", "economic stability" and "being alive". 2. The impact of BMT on physical well-being were "skin impairment", "digestive problems", "Infections ", "fatigue/weakness". "arthralgia", "eye dryness", "weight gain", "amenorrhea" and "hand trermor" 3. The impact of BMT on psychological well-being were "fear of recurrence", "fence of peace" and "hope". 4. The impact of BMT on socioeconomic status were "financial burden", "limitation of social activities" and "fence of withdrawal ". 5. The impact of BMT on spiritual well -being were "dependency on Supreme Being", "spiritual arousal" and "spiritual maturity". The findings of the study will be useful in constructing a instrument to measure QOL in BMT and in understanding the conceptual basis of QOL for the BMT population.

MeSH Terms

Bone Marrow*
Humans
Nursing
Quality of Life*
Social Class
Survivors*