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Perspectives of adolescent girls with cystic fibrosis and parents on disease‐specific sexual and reproductive health education
Author(s) -
Kazmerski Traci M.,
Hill Kelsey,
Prushinskaya Olga,
Nelson Eliza,
Greenberg Jonathan,
Pitts Sarah AB,
Borrero Sonya,
Miller Elizabeth,
Sawicki Gregory S.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.24015
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , reproductive health , medicine , population , human sexuality , health care , qualitative research , adolescent health , family medicine , nursing , environmental health , gender studies , social science , sociology , economics , economic growth
Adolescent girls with cystic fibrosis (CF) face significant disease‐specific sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns that are not typically addressed in routine clinical care. Additionally, there is a paucity of developmentally appropriate CF‐specific SRH educational resources for this population. The goal of this study was to explore patient and parent attitudes toward SRH educational resources for adolescent girls with CF. Methods Adolescent girls ages 13‐18 years with CF and parents of daughters ages 10‐18 years with CF completed individual, semi‐structured interviews regarding their experiences and preferences around CF‐specific SRH education and care. To facilitate discussion, participants provided feedback on the format and design of existing SRH educational resources. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach. Results We interviewed 26 participants (14 parents and 12 patients). The majority reported they had never discussed SRH in the CF care setting. All participants preferred a comprehensive, online patient educational resource complemented by real patient stories and interactive components. Participants noted that such resources should create a sense of normalcy and community around CF and female SRH. Most desired more frequent communication around SRH between adolescent girls with CF and their healthcare providers as a way to promote SRH knowledge, decision making, and health outcomes. Discussion Adolescent girls with CF and their parents desire an online patient educational resource that normalizes SRH and enhances patient‐provider communication around these topics. Creation of developmentally appropriate resources would facilitate improved health outcomes around this aspect of comprehensive care in CF.