Quality of life of the main caretakers of post-hematopoietic stem-cell transplant patients

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate and to identify the areas affected in the quality of life, to correlate with the care overload and the emotional discomfort of adult patients with hematologic cancer submitted to the hematopoietic stem-cell transplant. Method: cross-sectional and retrospective study carried out with 59 main caretakers of patients submitted to this treatment modality. The sociodemographic profile was characterized and the life quality assessment (Medical Outcomes 36 Study-Item Shorts Form Health Survey), emotional discomfort assessment (Self Reporting Questionnaire) and the care overload (Zarit Burden Interview) questionnaires were applied. Results: the participants were predominantly female, married and with high school education level. In the life quality assessment, the correlation between the Functional Capacity and Pain, and between the Emotional Aspects and Mental Health was observed. The highest score presented by the emotional discomfort was not significant. In relation to the care overload, the greatest frequency was between moderate and moderate to serious overload. Conclusion: the life quality of these patients’ main caretakers is harmed in different areas and the care overload is significant; it is suggested that the main caretakers of the patient who undergoes a hematopoietic stem-cell transplant is also the focus of the multiprofessional team that assists the transplanted patient aiming at promoting the quality improvement in both lives.