Role retention and quality of life of bone marrow transplant survivors

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) offers the potential for survival of 50% or more for selected patients with malignant disease not controlled by other means. However, BMT introduces risks for psychological, social, and physical impairment and the potential for significant loss in one's ability to retain important role relationships. While there has been a sharp increase in the performance of BMTs in the past decade, there has been little research on its effects on long-term survivors. This paper presents the results of a follow-up survey of 135 survivors of BMT at the Johns Hopkins Oncology center. The ability of the survivors to maintain valued social roles is examined as this affects perceived quality of life. The main hypothesis of the paper, that role retention is significantly related to higher quality of life, is supported by significant correlations of role retention with quality of life as measured by the Satisfaction with Life Domains Scale, current and future life satisfaction on Cantril Self-Anchoring Ladders, and by the Bradburn Positive Affect Scale. While the Bradburn Negative Affect Scale was not significantly related to role retention, total negative mood as measured by the Profile of Mood States was inversely related to role retention at a statistically significant level.