Sleep & Healing After Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant
Hospital survival rates for pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients have improved dramatically over the past several decades. Yet survival is only part of the story. During the peri-transplant period, children often experience significant symptom burden, disrupted sleep, and challenges engaging in supportive care. Understanding how these factors interact is critical to improving quality of life during hospitalization and recovery.
This research was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition during the 2025 SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge). Developed within the Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences program at Rutgers University–Camden, the project was completed by Elizabeth Alonso. The abstract below introduces her secondary analysis examining symptom burden, sleep disturbance, and supportive care use in pediatric transplant patients.
Abstract: Sleep, Symptom Burden, and Supportive Care Use in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Although survival rates for pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients have improved since its first utilization in 1957, symptom burden and quality of life concerns remain significant during the post-transplant hospitalization period and into survivorship. Sleep quality is also impacted in this population, especially during hospitalization due to the artificial environment and frequent room entries.
There is a need for additional research on symptom burden in patients undergoing HSCT and on the relationship of the hospital environment to sleep. Symptom burden may also affect patient engagement with daytime supportive care. This secondary analysis study aimed to describe symptom burden and supportive care use during the peri-transplant period and to explore the effect of extending nighttime vital sign checks (EVs) to allow for a six-hour block of sleep.
The study utilized the PROMIS sleep short forms, the PedsQL Stem Cell Transplant Module, and medical chart review to assess symptom burden and supportive care use. Findings indicate that general symptom burden, as well as severity for most individual symptoms, peaks on Day +5. Hierarchical linear modeling showed that greater sleep-related impairment predicted decreased supportive care use, and that greater supportive care use predicted reduced sleep disturbance.
The EV intervention did not influence general symptom burden or supportive care use; however, there is preliminary evidence that the intervention reduced sleep disturbance. These findings have implications for clinical practice. Healthcare teams should monitor patients during periods associated with greater symptom burden and encourage supportive care engagement to alleviate or provide distraction from symptoms. Future research should continue to examine the connection between symptom burden, sleep, and supportive care use, as well as investigate interventions to mitigate disturbed sleep during hospitalization.
Graduate Poster Exhibition at SPARK!
The Graduate Poster Exhibition celebrates the research and creative work of the graduate community, showcasing everything from prose and code to original research and artistic expression. As part of SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), a reimagining of Research Week, the exhibition highlights the depth, range, and impact of graduate scholarship and invites the campus community to engage with ideas taking shape across disciplines.
Understanding the Mind: The Psychological Sciences Program
The Psychological Sciences program at Rutgers–Camden offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for advanced research and practice in various psychological disciplines. The program provides a foundation in research design and data analysis, with opportunities for individually supervised research apprenticeships. Students can choose between a thesis track, ideal for those aiming for doctoral studies, and a content track, suited for careers in non-academic research settings. The curriculum emphasizes scientific research methods applicable to real-world problems, equipping graduates with critical thinking and analytical skills essential for diverse career paths in psychology.
Advancing Community Well-Being: Prevention Science Graduate Programs at Rutgers–Camden
The Rutgers–Camden M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Prevention Science offer an interdisciplinary approach to tackling complex challenges affecting both communities and individuals. Emphasizing intervention strategies, causal analysis, and advanced statistical methods, these programs equip students with the skills necessary for high-quality research in fields such as international development, education reform, and healthcare. The Master of Science program requires 34 credits, while the Doctor of Philosophy program entails 61 credits, with both options available for full-time or part-time enrollment. Graduates are prepared to address pressing social issues and contribute to positive change across various sectors.
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