Assessing disease disclosure in adults with cystic fibrosis: the Adult Data for Understanding Lifestyle and Transitions (ADULT) survey Disclosure of disease in adults with cystic fibrosis.
BACKGROUND
As more patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) reach adulthood and participate in age-appropriate activities (e.g. employment, dating), disclosure of medical status becomes more important. This study assessed rates of disclosure and its perceived impact on relationships using the Adult Data for Understanding Lifestyle and Transitions (ADULT) online survey.


METHODS
Adults with CF participated in the survey via the United States national network of CF Centers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized.


RESULTS
Participants (n = 865) were more likely to disclose to relatives (94%) and close friends (81%) than to dating partners (73%), bosses/supervisors/teachers (51%) or co-workers (39%). Respondents generally reported a neutral/positive effect on relationships following disclosure. Negative effects of disclosure were infrequent, but more likely with dating partners or bosses/supervisors/teachers. Results also indicated that disclosure may be influenced by severity of lung disease and gender, with those having normal/mild lung disease less likely to disclose their diagnosis to both co-workers (p < 0.01) and bosses/supervisors/teachers (p < 0.01), and women being more likely to disclose to close friends (p < 0.0001) and dating partners (p < 0.05) than men.


CONCLUSIONS
Most adults with CF disclosed their disease to relatives and close friends. Individuals with severe CF lung disease were more likely to disclose their diagnosis to coworkers and supervisors/teachers. It may be helpful to provide support for disclosure of disease in situations such as employment and dating.
Modi
Avani C
AC
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Center for the Promotion of the Treatment Adherence and Self Management, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC-7039, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA. avani.modi@cchmc.org
Quittner
Alexandra L
AL
Boyle
Michael P
MP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000523:psychology*; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000503:physiopathology; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D055815:Young Adult