Burden of Symptoms and Symptom Experience of Filipino Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasm: A Qualitative Phenomenological Approach

Authors

  • Flordeluna Z. Mesina, MD, MSc Section of Clinical Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas Hospital https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5624-5435
  • Teresita E. Dumagay, MD Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Marissa M. Alejandria, MD, MSc Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Nina T. Castillo-Carandang, MA, MSc, PhD Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.8272

Keywords:

myeloproliferative neoplasms, symptom burden, quality of life, symptom experience, qualitative study

Abstract

Background. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the cellular proliferation of one or more hematologic cell lines. Patients with MPN who are Philadelphia-negative such as those with Polycythemia Vera (PV), Essential Thrombocytosis (ET), or Myelofibrosis (MF) experience a cluster of symptoms related to the disease activity which can affect their quality of life.

Objectives. This study aimed to explore the symptoms and symptom experience as well as lived experience of Filipino patients with MPN using a qualitative phenomenological approach to get a deeper understanding of the disease symptomatology.

Methods. Twenty-three patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms were purposively selected according to: 1) type of MPN (PV, ET, MF) 2) status of MPN disease (newly diagnosed vs. chronic) 3) age (?50 years old; >50 years) and 4) sex (male vs. female). The investigators conducted key informant interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Interview scripts and narratives were transcribed and analyzed using categorical aggregation and thematic analysis.

Results. Twenty patients proceeded with the interview (8 PV, 6 ET, 6 MF). The meta-themes identified were 1) symptom experience and 2) disease perception. Three sub-themes under symptom experience were a) heterogenous and complex symptomatology; b) dynamic nature of symptoms; c) living and coping with symptoms. Three sub-themes under disease perception were a) struggle with the concept of the disease; b) anxiety and uncertainty; c) acceptance and hope. The most common symptoms experienced by the patients were fatigue, bone pain, and abdominal discomfort. Vascular symptoms specifically headache, numbness, and problems in concentration were commonly reported by patients with PV. Fever and weight loss were the least common. Sources of anxiety/uncertainty include the unpredictability of symptom occurrence and blood counts, the burden of taking maintenance medications, the financial burden of living with MPN, and the unpredictability of disease and complications.

Conclusion. Patients with MPN had heterogenous, co-occurring, and dynamic symptoms which affected their overall productivity both at home and at work. Patients with MF had the most symptom burden while patients with ET had the least. This study provided valuable insights on disease perceptions, sources of anxiety, and coping mechanisms of patients with MPN. A deeper understanding of the symptom experience and disease perceptions of the patients will enhance the physician-patient interaction especially when discussing management options.

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Published

2024-10-15

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Articles

How to Cite

1.
Burden of Symptoms and Symptom Experience of Filipino Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasm: A Qualitative Phenomenological Approach. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2024 Oct. 15 [cited 2025 Apr. 3];58(18). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/8272

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