PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Kristina Askew
AU  - Jade Bamford
AU  - Nicholas Hudson
AU  - Juliana Moratelli
AU  - Rachel Miller
AU  - Alan Anderson
AU  - Simon Doe
AU  - Stephen J Bourke
TI  - Current characteristics, challenges and coping strategies of young people with cystic fibrosis as they transition to adulthood
AID  - 10.7861/clinmedicine.17-2-121
DP  - 2017 Apr 01
TA  - Clinical Medicine
PG  - 121--125
VI  - 17
IP  - 2
4099  - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/17/2/121.short
4100  - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/17/2/121.full
SO  - Clin Med2017 Apr 01; 17
AB  - 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.