Evaluation of COVID-19 fear and quality of life in patients with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) fear state in haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients and to examine its relationship with quality of life.MethodsIn this prospective study, 64 patients who underwent HSCT during the pandemic were included. The COVID‐19 fear situation was evaluated with the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale (FCV‐19S). Quality of life was evaluated with the European Organisation for Quality of Life Research and Treatment Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30) (Version 3).ResultsThe median FCV‐19S score was 16.5 (12.0–22.0). The FCV‐19S score was significantly higher in urban residents than rural residents. The general health score was 59.64 ± 20.04. The strongest positive correlation between fear level and life quality was found in emotional function. A weak, significant, positive correlation was observed between role function, nausea–vomiting, pain, appetite loss and fear level.ConclusionFCV‐19S is a quick, safe and valid tool that can be used to determine the COVID‐19 fear level in vulnerable patient groups such as HSCT patients and to direct them to the necessary psycho‐oncological support.