Impact of adherence in outcome of long-term survivors

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) for acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes offers the highest chance for long-term survival. Higher mortality rates among HSCT survivors highlight the need for lifelong multidisciplinary follow-up of late effects in HSCT survivors. Adherence describes the extent to which survivors follow the medical recommendations. Adherence is not limited exclusively to medication but it encompasses all health-related behaviors that are recommended by healthcare providers. Non-adherence to medications, guidelines, as well as unhealthy health behavior in HSCT survivors can all be caused by interacting factors. Lifestyle factors have an impact on the HSCT-survivors’ health. High adherence to scheduled oral care correlates with lower severity of oral mucositis. The causes for non-adherence are often beyond the patient’s control. Non-adherence to medication protocols and the adoption of unhealthy behavior habits are further influenced by multiple interacting factors.