Taste changes as a metaphor for biographical disruption: A qualitative study in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Purpose: and objective: The treatment side effects of patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation can cause various eating difficulties. The objective of this study was to explore the significance of eating experiences and taste changes from the perspective of patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Method: This was a qualitative, exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews applied during hospitalisation for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Thematic content analysis and the biographical disruption concept were used as theoretical references to explore the results.

Results: Twenty patients were studied. The overarching theme identified from the results was deconstruction of the taste reference resulting from sensory taste change, loss of eating references and changes to the hedonic relationship with food caused by the treatment. In addition to this deconstruction, participants described the reformulation of eating habits as a way of coping with the disease, which affected the eating experience and motivated the dietary strategies adopted.

Conclusions: Taste changes during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation are related to both biological issues and metaphysical aspects. This study raises the meaning of loss of sensory references and their symbolic aspects. These results were important to expand our view to include other aspects that can contribute to improving the care given to these individuals.

Keywords: Biographical disruption; Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Qualitative research; Taste changes.