Objective: Adolescence is a period when there is a tendency for a decrease in pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis as well as a decrease in adherence to treatment plans for cystic fibrosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the compliance experiences in adolescents with cystic fibrosis.
Methods: The participants of the study consisted of 8 adolescents with cystic fibrosis aged 14-21 years who were followed in the cystic fibrosis outpatient clinic of a university hospital. The case study method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study, and the data were collected with a semi-structured interview form consisting of questions aimed at obtaining data on disease experiences. Voice recorder was used in the interviews. The content analysis and interpretation of the data were done by 2 researchers, adhering to Colaizzi’s 7-step procedure.
Results: In the present study, we identified 3 main and 9 sub-themes related to disease compliance of adolescents with cystic fibrosis: disease experiences, barriers, and facilitators.
Conclusion: As a result of the study, a series of perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes that can help in completing and adapting to the time-consuming, complex regime in cystic fibrosis were identified. The effects of body perception and the relationships with parents and society, which are among the unknown factors related to cystic fibrosis, on disease compliance were demonstrated. Future research will focus on evaluating interventions and their effectiveness aimed at promoting better compliance in adolescents with cystic fibrosis.
Cite this article as: Dönmez H, Taş Arslan F. Factors affecting disease compliance in adolescents with cystic fibrosis: A qualitative study. Arch Health Sci Res. 2021;9(2):75-80.