Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an intensive stage of onco-hematological treatment, associated with numerous psychological burdens. In the literature the most frequently highlighted emotional consequences of these burdens are anxiety and depression, which significantly impact patients' adaptation to the HSCT treatment and, according to some studies, even influence survival rates. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the severity of depressive symptoms during HSCT hospitalization. The study involved 212 patients who completed the HADS depression scale at four measurement points: on the day of admission (T1), the day before the transplantion (T2), six days after the transplantation (T3), and on the day of hospital discharge (T5).
The percentage of patients with high severity of depressive symptoms increased from 6.6% (T1) to 16.9% (T3), then slightly decreased to 12.7% (T5). Symptoms of moderate severity were observed in 10.3% (T1), 15.0% (T2), 16.9% (T3), and 13.6% (T5) of patients. One-sample t-tests showed a significantly elevated level of depression at each measurement point (p < 0.001), and effect sizes (Cohen's d) indicated very large symptom severity (d = 1.96–2.20). Paired analysis revealed a significant increase in symptoms between T1 and T3, along with significant correlations between measurements (r = 0.39–0.73, p < 0.001).
These findings emphasize the importance of regular mental health assessment throughout the HSCT process. Implementing psychological support at different hospitalization stages is essential to address the emotional challenges associated with the transplantation procedure.