Accuracy of Body Size Estimation in Youth with Cystic Fibrosis and Association with Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

Accuracy of body size estimation may impact motivation to adhere to treatment recommendations and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in youth with cystic fibrosis (CF), but this has not yet been investigated. Thus, the goal of the current study was to examine accuracy of body size estimation in youth with CF, and associations with HRQOL, lung functioning, and dietary intake. Fifty-four youth diagnosed with CF (M = 13.61 years) completed the Figure Rating Scale, the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire–Revised, and a 24-h diet recall interview. Cohen’s Weighted Kappa Coefficient evaluated agreement between body size estimation and BMI percentile. Binary logistic regression analyses examined associations between body size accuracy and HRQOL, lung functioning, and dietary intake. A less than adequate agreement was found between youth body size estimation and BMI percentile. Most participants overestimated body size (69.8%). Body Image HRQOL, but neither lung functioning nor dietary intake, was significantly associated with body size estimation accuracy. Working with patients to improve perceptions of body size may also improve HRQOL scores and allow for discussion about treatment goals related to body size.