An Integrative Review of Sex Differences in Quality of Life and Symptoms Among Survivors of Hematologic Malignancies.

ObjectivesTo conduct an integrative review of studies to identify disparities in quality of life (QOL), symptoms, and symptom burden between men and women diagnosed with hematologic malignancies.Sample & setting11 studies comprising 13,546 participants aged 18 years or older were included in the analysis. Studies were original peer-reviewed research published in English between January 2005 and December 2020.Methods & variablesA literature search was performed using keywords associated with health-related QOL, hematologic malignancy, and sex/gender differences. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to identify relevant studies. Data were extracted for sex differences in QOL, symptoms, and symptom burden. All studies were appraised for quality and level of evidence.ResultsWomen have worse physical health and function, more pain, and higher symptom burden compared with men.Implications for nursingHealthcare providers need to understand the impact of sex-based differences on QOL, symptoms, and symptom burden to provide optimal, personalized care.