Health-related quality of life after treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma in young adults.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To describe changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and to identify supportive care services used after treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in young adults. DESIGN A longitudinal, repeated-measures study design was used to test the feasibility of data collection at the conclusion of treatment for HL and at one, three, and six months post-treatment. SETTING Participants were identified from two large comprehensive cancer centers in New England. SAMPLE 40 young adults with newly diagnosed HL were enrolled in the study prior to the completion of chemotherapy or radiation. METHODS Data were collected by interviews, standardized questionnaires, and medical record reviews. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES HRQOL variables defined as symptom distress, functional status, emotional distress, and intimate relationships; use of specific supportive care services; and baseline demographic and disease-related information. FINDINGS Results indicate that symptom distress improved at one month post-treatment and remained low at three and six months. Similarly, functional status improved at one month post-treatment. Only 13% of the sample had significant emotional distress at baseline, and this decreased to 8% over time. Patients placed high value on their intimate relationships (i.e., family and friends or sexual partners). A variety of supportive care services were used after treatment, the most common of which were related to economic issues. However, by six months post-treatment, services shifted toward enhancing nutrition and fitness. CONCLUSIONS The results from this study suggest that HRQOL in young adults with HL improved one-month post-treatment and that interest in using supportive care services was high. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Facilitating the use of supportive care services at the end of cancer treatment appears to be an important part of helping young adults transition to survivorship. KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION Supportive care services appear to be a vital component of the transition to survivorship and often change over time from an emphasis on economic issues to enhancing wellness through nutrition and fitness programs.