Pain, coping, and disability in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis: a Web-based study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to develop a web-based education program tailored to patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who may be experiencing pain, and to investigate, via the website, the pain experiences of those patients by studying their pain reports, disability, and coping strategies.


METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional survey of CF patients. Recruitment efforts focused on informing patients of the website and research study. A sample of 18 participants was recruited. Three separate questionnaires were employed: a demographic questionnaire, the Pain Disability Index, and the Pain Response Inventory.


RESULTS
Approximately half of the sample reported experiencing daily pain episodes lasting two hours or less. The average intensity of a pain episode was reported to be in the moderate range. Participants reported pain disability highest in areas of recreation, occupation, and social activities. The most commonly used coping strategies included active and accommodative coping techniques such as problem solving, acceptance, and self-encouragement.


CONCLUSIONS
Pain management is clearly a problem for some young adults with CF. This study provided information about the areas of disability caused by pain, as well as common coping strategies used by patients. The findings of this study provide direction for the future of pain management in CF patients.
Hubbard
Patrick A
PA
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Broome
Marion E
ME
Antia
Lauren A
LA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011340:Problem Solving; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States