Trajectories of symptom severity predicts quality of life change in newly diagnosis lymphoma survivors: An initial study.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the subgroups of symptom severity and impact of their trajectories on quality of life in lymphoma survivors. Secondary data were analysed from a prospective study with four-time measures: before treatment (T1), during treatment (T2), treatment completion (T3) and 10weeks after treatment (T4). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, group-based trajectory model and generalised estimation equation. Fifty nine of 61 participants completed three-time measure (mean age = 60.43 years, male-predominant). The changes in symptom severity over time were divided into two subgroups: slight-stable group (n= 54, 89%) and mild-fickle group (n= 7, 11%). Pain, tiredness and sleeping trouble were the predominant symptoms. The quality of life change in the slight-stable group was significantly better than that of the mild-fickle group (B= 13.35, SE =3.53, p< 0.001). The overall quality of life at T2, T3 and T4 was better than it was at T1. The different trajectories of symptom severity significantly influenced quality of life changes in lymphoma survivors. Healthcare providers must be aware that there is a group of lymphoma survivors with relatively severe symptoms when newly diagnosed, compared to the opposite. More attention must be paid to this group, in addition to providing in-time symptom management.