Self-care confidence as a predictor of symptom burden and quality of life in people living with myeloproliferative neoplasms

BackgroundMyeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are chronic haematological malignancies including myelofibrosis (MF), polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). People with MPN require proper education to confidently manage their health at home. If they develop high levels of self-care confidence, they might be more capable of performing self-care behaviours and improving their quality of life. This study aims to preliminary assess the self-care confidence of MPN patients and its association with their quality of life.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by the Italian Association of MPN Patients (AIPAMM). Preliminary data from 9 haematology centres in Italy were analysed. During their outpatient visit, patients with MPN were given a paper-and-pencil questionnaire to measure self-care confidence using the Self-Care Confidence Scale, symptom burden using the MPN-SAF TSS, and quality of life using the EORTC QLQ-C30.ResultsThe study included 292 adult patients with MPN (55% male; mean age = 60 years ± 14). They were diagnosed with MF (42%), ET (30%), or PV (28%). The most burdensome symptoms were fatigue, problems with concentration, abdominal discomfort, and inactivity. Participants rated their overall quality of life as 69.5 ± 22.8 (range 0-100). The mean level of self-care confidence was 77.4 ± 16.3 (range 0-100). We found that a higher level of self-care confidence is associated with lower symptom burden (r = -.24; p <. 001) and greater quality of life (r =. 30; p <. 001).ConclusionsThis study revealed that enhancing self-care confidence in MPN patients can decrease their symptom burden and improve their quality of life. Health professionals should educate and support people living with MPN in performing self-care behaviours to enhance their ability to manage their health at home and their level of confidence. In particular, patients should be empowered to utilize suitable strategies to address fatigue and problems with concentration.Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors.FundingHas not received any funding.DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.