An Exploration Into Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Towards Risky Health Behaviours in a Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Population

Abstract

Risky behaviours are prevalent within the cystic fibrosis (CF) population; however, there is a lack of research which has investigated risky behaviour engagement among adolescents with CF, with reasons for initiation currently being unknown, as no qualitative studies have been conducted. This research therefore examines knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs towards risky behaviours at an age commonly associated with initiation. Ten paediatric participants were recruited. Thematic analysis illustrated several psychological factors associated with risky behaviours. A desire for normalcy was evident, with this been associated with a desire to engage in normalised risky behaviours. Evidence of a life-orientated illness perspective was also prevalent, with participants believing that many individuals engage in risky behaviours for fun. Overall, there was a reported lack of knowledge on consequences of risky behaviours, with many participants not being informed of these by health care professionals (HCPs). This research provides insight into an area of CF paediatric care which could be improved on, with the provision of awareness regarding risky behaviours not being embedded within paediatric CF care. Consequently, this research demonstrates the need for interventions to be integrated into paediatric CF care for the prevention and reduction of risky behaviours.

Assessment of Selected Parameters of Liver Fibrosis and Inflammation in Patients with Diagnosed Cystic Fibrosis

“…The literature on the subject includes data reporting a frequent occurrence of CFLD among men. The data was confirmed by Stonebraker et al and Keyte et al [28,34] as well in our study. In terms of our patients, girls were affected by the hepatic lesions more frequently.…”

“…As Rowland et al pointed out, "severe mutations" of CFTR gene (i.e., delta F508, G524X, N1303K, CFTRdel21kB, and 1811+1G-> C) are observed in CF patients with cystic fibrosis [24]. Keyte et al, Rowntree and Harris, and Flass and Narkewicz observed that there was a link between the occurrence of "severe mutations" (class I, II, and III) and higher mortality, pancreatic insufficiency, history of meconium ileus, and abnormalities in the liver [34][35][36]. We did not conclude a link between hepatic lesions and type of CFTR mutation, possibly because a severe mutation of deltaF508/deltaF508 was reported in over 50%.…”

Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of risky health behaviours: A qualitative evaluation of preventative measures for populations with cystic fibrosis

“…Design. The researcher disseminated the research findings from the previous qualitative studies 2,7 and the qualitative interviews with CF specialists including a focus on Nurses' perceptions towards risky behaviours. The aim of the previous qualitative studies was to implement an intervention into CF care to reduce the occurrence of risky behaviours, with Henriksen et al 12 acknowledging the importance of collaborating with HCPs to implement an intervention into practice.…”

“…6 Qualitative research within the adult and paediatric CF populations demonstrated how risky behaviours of young adults with CF replicate those of healthy young adults, and initiation and continuation occur even when there are high levels of parental or caregiver engagement and support. 2,7 During adolescence, identity formation becomes increasingly important, and for young adults with CF, perceptions of oneself as being 'typical' and not being defined by CF are associated with 'normal' activities, which include risky behaviours. Engagement in common risky behaviours is one way of emphasising normalcy and provides a distancing from any notion of an illness identity.…”

“…While research indicates the importance of CF-specific awareness regarding risky behaviours and the potential of integration to CF-care, 2,7 there is little information around whether and how much information is provided. The researchers therefore emphasised the importance of investigating CF health care professionals (HCPs) perceptions around the issue of risky behaviours, and to gain a greater understanding of what is needed for interventions to be practically applicable in a clinical setting with this specific patient group.…”