Stress, Coping, and Depression in Patients Following Hemopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Kim, Kyung Eon; Yoo, Yang Sook

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify the level of stress, coping, and depression among hemopoietic stem cell transplantation patients who received care in an outpatient center. METHOD: Data were collected from 81 patients who underwent hemopoietic stem cell transplantation at C University S Hospital between August 2005 and February 2006.
RESULTS
Stress and depression were significantly higher following hemopoietic stem cell transplantation in women, and in patients who were worse off financially or who were in bad health. The highest item of stress was 'economic burden for treatment'. There were significantly higher levels of emotion-focused coping among patients who had a spouse and who received motivation from the doctor. The highest item for problem-focused coping was 'try to look at the bright side of life'. The highest items for emotion-focused coping were to 'have faith that treatment will be finished quickly' and 'believe that your situation will improve'. Stress was significantly correlated with depression among these patients.
CONCLUSION
It is necessary to develop nursing interventions to enhance positive coping and to decrease stress and depression among patients who have a hemopoietic stem cell transplantation.