Prevalence of organ symptoms in allo-HCT survivors and their impact on work and daily life

Abstract

 We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire study to assess the prevalence of organ symptoms in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) survivors and its impact on work and daily life. We targeted allo-HCT survivors employed at diagnosis, aged 20-64 at survey, and who survived≥2 years without relapse. The questionnaire included the presence or absence of 34 organ symptoms and their impact on work and daily life, as well as patient-, HCT-, and work-related factors. A total of 841 participants who were working at the time of the survey were included in the analysis (response rate, 60%). Ninety-two percent of participants had at least one symptom; the skin (78%), joints/muscles (72%), eyes (61%), and psychological health (44%) were frequently affected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of the impact of symptoms on work showed that different job types were independently associated with different symptoms: indoor/physical work (medical care staff, etc.) with itching, dry eyes, restricted joint mobility; outdoor/light duty (sales staff, etc.) with thinning of hair and depressive state; and outdoor/physical work (construction, etc.) with dazzling. Our findings indicated that it may be effective to provide individual intervention and education that take into consideration both survivors’ symptoms and their work/life conditions.