Evaluation of COVID-19 fear and quality of life in patients with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to determine the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) fear state in haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients and to examine its relationship with quality of life. Methods: In this prospective study, 64 patients who underwent HSCT during the pandemic were included. The COVID-19 fear situation was evaluated with the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Quality of life was evaluated with the European Organisation for Quality of Life Research and Treatment Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) (Version 3). Results: The median FCV-19S score was 16.5 (12.0–22.0). The FCV-19S score was significantly higher in urban residents than rural residents. The general health score was 59.64 ± 20.04. The strongest positive correlation between fear level and life quality was found in emotional function. A weak, significant, positive correlation was observed between role function, nausea–vomiting, pain, appetite loss and fear level. Conclusion: FCV-19S is a quick, safe and valid tool that can be used to determine the COVID-19 fear level in vulnerable patient groups such as HSCT patients and to direct them to the necessary psycho-oncological support.