Physical Conditions and Social Adaptation of Children Who Have Undergone Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

급성 백혈병 아동의 동종 조혈모세포이식 후 신체적 및 사회적 적응

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical conditions and social adaptation of children who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: The participants in this descriptive survey were 37 children who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at least one year ago. Data were collected through observation and questionnaires and processed with the SAS program. Results: Compared to the time of diagnosis, WBC, RBC and platelet counts had increased significantly. The children were taller than at the transplantation stage, but there was no change in weight and 73% of the children had physical symptoms. Boys who were between 6 to 11 years of age had lower rates of socialization and academic progress than normal Korean boys. Boys between 12 to 17 years of age had higher rates of socialization, but lower rates of academic progress. Girls between 6 to 17 years of age scored lower than normal Korean girls in both categories. Conclusion: The above findings indicate that children who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation try hard to participate in everyday activities. Therefore nursing interventions to improving normal growth and development and facilitate social adaptation should be provided for them.