Factors Affecting Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence the fear of cancer recurrence in the patients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants based on Simonelli's theory of the fear of cancer recurrence. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted. From October 2020 to January 2021, a total of 83 patients who were diagnosed with hematopoietic cancer at C university hospital in Seoul and who had received hematopoietic stem cell transplants were surveyed using questionnaires and electronic medical records. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients were at high risk of fear of cancer recurrence (68.7%). The regression model explained that distress, quality of life, and gender were the main factors influencing the fear of cancer recurrence, which can explain 43.2% of the total variation. Conclusion: In order to reduce the fear of cancer recurrence in patients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants, a nursing plan to reduce the psychosocial factors of the patients should be developed. In this way, nurses can assist patients in solving problems after transplantation and in adapting to daily life.