title: Current characteristics, challenges and coping strategies of young people with cystic fibrosis as they transition to adulthood.
abstract: This study provides detailed data on the current characteristics, perceptions and outcomes of 45 young people with cystic fibrosis (CF) as they transition into adulthood. Although many had severe disease, they generally coped well, found attendance at a transition clinic helpful and welcomed the increased independence of an adult healthcare environment. Levels of psychological distress were low with only 15.6% having anxiety and 6.7% depression. The main psychological coping strategy used was optimistic acceptance. Overall, most remained stable after transfer but 33% had some decline in lung function and 9% in nutritional status, requiring intensification of treatment. They had high levels of satisfaction with their relationships and life situations and 76% were in employment or education. These results are encouraging and as life expectancy improves, young adults with CF are coping well with transition into adulthood.
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Askew
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Jade
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bamford
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hudson
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Juliana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moratelli
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Doe
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Stephen.Bourke@nuth.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Bourke
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D060305:Transition to Adult Care; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Coping strategies; cystic fibrosis; long-term conditions; transitional care; young adults