Life satisfaction of adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis: Impact of partnership and gender

Abstract

Background: This is the first study to assess the impact of gender and partnership on life satisfaction in adolescents and adults with CF, using a model combining subjective importance and satisfaction ratings. Methods: Life satisfaction of 243 CF patients (16-58 years, M = 29.6, SD = 7.4, 46.9% male) was assessed with the Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZM). The effects of gender and partnership on life satisfaction were calculated. Results: Significantly less males than females reported living with a partner (χ2 = 16.5, p < 001). Gender only had a significant effect on health-related life satisfaction, with females reporting worse life satisfaction. Partnership had small to large effects on general, health-related and CF-specific life satisfaction (η2 = .049-.144). Participants with partners always reported higher life satisfaction than those without partner. However, no significant interaction effect of partnership and gender could be shown. Conclusions: Having a partner is associated with higher life satisfaction, regardless of the patient's gender and might have beneficial effects on medical outcomes. © 2008 European Cystic Fibrosis Society.