title: Adherence to pancreatic enzyme supplementation in adolescents with cystic fibrosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Levels of adherence to pancreatic enzyme supplementation were investigated in Atlantic Canada adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited from CF clinics at the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the Janeway Children's Health & Rehabilitation Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Self-report questionnaires were mailed to potential participants (n=51) by clinic staff and completed surveys (n=9) were mailed to the principal investigator.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine adolescents (mean age 15.2 ± 1.9 years) participated in the study. The adherence survey indicated that the majority perceived themselves to be adherent to taking enzymes with meals (67%), but only 44% perceived themselves to be adherent to taking enzymes with snacks. Recorded amounts of enzymes, taken over three days, indicated that 67% of participants were actually adherent to taking enzymes with meals and 56% with snacks. Including those who correctly predicted non-adherence, 56% and 44% of participants accurately predicted their adherence to taking enzymes with meals and snacks, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adherence rates in the literature vary because of differences in definition and measurement. In the CF population, adherence has been shown to have a positive effect on quality of life. Results for this small group of patients suggest that Atlantic Canada adolescents with CF are able to estimate correctly their adherence to taking pancreatic enzymes, but definite conclusions cannot be made because of the small number of respondents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS.
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Faulkner
authors.forename: L Janette
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Taper
authors.forename: Marjorie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000178:diet therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals; D009674:Nova Scotia; D010194:Pancreatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D057566:Self Report; D062410:Snacks
chemical_list: D010194:Pancreatin