Health-related quality of life of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a particular example of a chronic disease with progressive course. Current statistical data shows that the life span of patients with CF has extended. Therefore, it is necessary to undertake interdisciplinary actions aiming at improving the efficiency of medical activities as well as minimalizing the influence of those interventions on the patients' quality of prolonged life. Objectives. The aim of the study was to depict the QoL of patients suffering from mucoviscidosis and show the differences in the assessment of patients' QoL depending on age and sex. Material and Methods: The study covered 30 patients with CF. Mean age of the respondent group was 24.83 ± 6.98; mean age of females 25.8 ± 7.27, whereas of males - 23.5 ± 6.56. A specific questionnaire for testing cystic fibrosis quality of life (CFQoL) of patients was used in the study. Results: Generally patients with CF evaluated their QoL as low. In the study with the use of a CFQoL questionnaire they evaluated their QoL as the lowest in a subscale: future concerns. In most domains women got lower mean values than men. A dependence between patients' QoL and their age was ascertained. The older the patient is, the lower QoL is in the case of subscales (CFQoL): physical, emotional and social functioning, chest symptoms, interpersonal relationships, body image, career concerns. Conclusions: Patients with CF generally evaluate their QoL as low; there are differences in the evaluation of QoL between women and men. There is a relation between patients' QoL their age. The older the patient is, the worse his QoL in most subscales is.