Mindfulness in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT): A Qualitative Study

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Previous research in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients suggests that patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) experience severe physiological stress and social challenges. Therapeutic mindfulness interventions have been associated with improved well-being; however, we are unaware of any study that has examined AYA HSCT patients’ therapeutic interests in improving quality of life. The goal of this study was to identify unmet needs, interests, and preferences for mindfulness and quality of life prior to, immediately following, and three months post HSCT to inform the development of a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention. Results suggest a mindfulness-based intervention may be beneficial in improving quality of life and enhancing social engagement, particularly immediately following HSCT. Future AYA research may benefit from employing mindfulness-based techniques to improve quality of life and psychosocial outcomes in HSCT patients. ABSTRACT: Previous adolescent and young adult (AYA) research suggests patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) experience severe physiological stress. The goal of this study was to identify unmet needs, interests, and preferences for mindfulness to inform the development of a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at three time points: prior to (n = 20), immediately after (n = 13), and three months post HSCT (n = 16) in the same AYA patients. Interviews assessed stress reduction strategies used, interest in mindfulness, and current quality of life. Three major thematic categories emerged from interview data across all time points: Concerns, Coping Strategies, and Mindfulness Activities. Prior to HSCT, two additional themes emerged including: Hope for the Future and Getting the Body Moving-Physical Activity. Most participants were not familiar with the term “mindfulness” prior to HSCT; but after being provided the definition of mindfulness, participants expressed interest in an online mindfulness-based intervention (e.g., ZOOM), stating: “I think it’s necessary” and “It would definitely be useful”. Participants suggested an intervention immediately following HSCT may decrease isolation concerns stating: “[in the hospital] You kind of feel like a hamster in a cage” and “you obviously have a lot of time to just be sitting by yourself in a hospital room”. The results suggest that a mindfulness-based online intervention is of interest to AYA HSCT patients and may be beneficial in decreasing physiological stress and improving quality of life.