Intraindividual Cortisol Variability and Psychological Functioning in Caregivers of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Caregiving for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (Allo-HSCT) patients carries a significant psychological burden, yet it remains unclear whether Allo-HSCT caregivers demonstrate disruptions to stress systems, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Greater intraindividual cortisol variability (ICV) has been observed in psychiatric disorders; however, there is a knowledge gap evaluating ICV in caregivers. We predicted that greater ICV would be related to poorer mental health in Allo-HSCT caregivers.

Methods

Allo-HSCT caregivers (n = 140) collected saliva for 3 consecutive days at 4 time points/d. Psychological variables included sleep quality and a summary composite score of overall mental health.

Results

Regression analyses demonstrated

SUBMITTER: Sannes TS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4738013 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature