Factors Associated with Fatigue in Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Abstract

Methods: The present study examined the association between fatigue, pain, overall quality of life, and perceived health status with employment at 1-year post-transplant. Participants (N1⁄4404) completed a lifestyle survey 1-year post-SCT. Participants provided current employment status and whether change was attributable to their health status. Results: Participants were predominatelymarried/partnered (81.7%), Caucasian/Non-Hispanic (81.6%), males (52%) between ages 19-76 (mean: 56 years) and majority underwent autologous transplants (70.1%). Prior to illness diagnosis, 60.8% were employed Full-Time, which decreased at the time of transplant (35.5%) and at 1-year post-SCT (31.0%). Employment status was correlated with all variables of interest (p<0.05). Analysis of variance and chi-square analysis were completed. Fatigue, pain, and quality of life were rated on a 0-10 scale. Health status was rated as ‘excellent’ to ‘poor’ on a 5-point scale. Patients’ mean scores revealed low/ moderate fatigue (3.38), low pain (1.87) and good quality of life (7.43). Most rated their health as ‘very good’ (26.9%) or ‘good’ (22.7%). Fatigue did not vary by employment status. Pain was greatest for patients unemployed due to health status compared to those employed full-time or unemployed due to other (p<.05). Patients employed part-time enjoyed greater quality of life than those unemployed due to Health status (p<.05). Those employed full-time were most likely to report ‘excellent’ (48.0%), ‘very good’ (37.5%), or ‘good’ (33.9%) health. ‘Fair’ health was mostly reported by those unemployed due to health status (41.3%). Retirees, regardless of health status, were most likely to report ‘poor’ health (57.2%). Conclusion: Patients’ ability and desire to return to work post-transplant should be considered a meaningful component of survivorship expectations and long-term adjustment.