title: The prevalence of "risky behaviour" in adults with cystic fibrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of "risky-behaviour" including alcohol and illicit drug use, smoking and unprotected sexual intercourse, of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) is unknown. We conducted this prospective questionnaire-based study to further explore this issue.
  
  
  METHODS
  An anonymous 71-point questionnaire was sent to all adult patients aged ≥18 years attending the Royal Brompton CF Unit. Results were compared to national (non-CF) data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  83% (n=151) drink alcohol and 13% (n=23) drink more than recommended by national guidelines. 46% (n=84) have tried smoking and 3% (n=5) continue to smoke regularly. 35% (n=64) have tried illicit drugs and 3% (n=6) continue to use them. 86% (n=154) are sexually active; 60% use contraception (males 46%, females 62%). Compared with the general (non-CF) UK population, less CF patients drink heavily (13 vs. 23%; p<0.001), smoke (3 vs. 21%; p<0.001), have tried illicit drugs (35 vs. 37%; p<0.001) and are sexually active (86 vs. 97%; p<0.001).The same proportion use contraception (60 vs. 61%; p=0.8).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participation in risky behaviour was modest. With improved life expectancy this may increase. Awareness of this is important so that health promotion measures can be introduced early.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, SW3 6NP, UK.
authors.forename: Felicity A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Mc Ewan
authors.forename: Margaret E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Hodson
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Simmonds
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult