This study aimed to investigate how type 1 diabetes mellitus patients perceive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Twelve patients participated, ranging in age from 16 to 24 years. Semi-structured interviews were held before and one year after the HSCT. Three categories emerged from the thematic content analysis: impact of the disease, experience of HSCT and reassuming daily life. The results evidenced that, although it is a highly invasive and threatening procedure, the participants were able to identify gains and to reflect on the losses deriving from this borderline situation. They realized there were possibilities to benefit from HSCT and saw it as an opportunity beyond the inevitable difficulties and limitations the treatment imposed.
Bone marrow transplantation; psychosocial impact; patients; type 1 diabetes mellitus; hematopoietic stem cells