The Meaning of Comfort in Survivors of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Phenomenological Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31877/on.2026.53.05Keywords:
Comfort, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Survivors, Nursing Care, Qualitative ResearchAbstract
Background: Patients undergoing Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) face complex health challenges related to disease chronicity, treatments, and side effects, significantly impacting daily life. Within this context, comfort emerges as a central concept. Grounded in Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort, it encompasses relief, ease, and transcendence across physical, psychospiritual, sociocultural, and environmental domains.
Aim: To understand the meaning of comfort in the lived experiences of ASCT survivors.
Design: Qualitative study using van Manen’s phenomenology of practice.
Methods: Twenty ASCT survivors participated in phenomenological interviews between July 2020 and May 2021. Data, including narratives and illustrative episodes, were analysed following van Manen’s stages: epoché, reduction, and the vocative.
Results: Comfort was expressed as valuing extended life, experiencing physical and emotional well-being, and living meaningfully. Discomfort was linked to limitations in normal life and confronting survivorship.
Conclusions: Comfort is actively sought and promotes well-being, coexisting with discomfort, which shapes survivors’ experiences.
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