A weekend/weekday comparison of adherence to daily treatment regimens in adults with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Treatment adherence is a major concern in cystic fibrosis (CF), with accumulating evidence that health outcomes are worse in patients with lower levels of adherence. This study investigates how adherence differs for adults with CF during a weekday and a weekend day by examining the roles of sex, anxiety, depression, and lung function as predictors of adherence. participants and procedureFifty-two adult participants with CF were recruited. Demographics and spirometry results were recorded. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and two daily phone diaries in order to record their adherence to pancreatic enzymes, vitamins, physiotherapy and exercise. Based on previous findings, it was hypothesised that reported adherence would be higher during the weekend in comparison to weekdays, due to lower time pressure during the weekend. resultsPaired sample t-tests indicated that overall participants had higher reported adherence during the weekend in comparison to weekdays, with sex, anxiety, depression and lung function being predictors of adherence.conclusions Clinical implications and future directions are discussed, with an emphasis on the need for further qualitative research. We are now conducting another research project utilising qualitative interviews with participants to further investigate adherence within the CF population. Our aim is to identify the main adherence barriers and to develop interventions to improve treatment adherence in the CF population.

The psychological implications and health risks of cystic fibrosis pre- and post- CFTR modulator therapy

“…The data also shows how HCPs need to be mindful of the impact modulator therapies could have upon individual‘s decisions regarding health behaviours, highlighting the need for support of adherence decisions 32 and weight management. 33–37 Furthermore, the data provides insight into the need for proactive awareness regarding health risk behaviours (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use and contraception use).…”

“…There is certainly an ability to proactively support people with CF through contemplative and non-contemplative practices, and create a cost-effective and proactive scheme. [27][28][29][30][31] The data also shows how HCPs need to be mindful of the impact modulator therapies could have upon individual's decisions regarding health behaviours, highlighting the need for support of adherence decisions 32 and weight management. [33][34][35][36][37] Furthermore, the data provides insight into the need for proactive awareness regarding health risk behaviours (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use and contraception use).…”

Exploring Associations Between Self-Compassion, Self-Criticism, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Informing Future Interventions

“…CF treatment regimens are extremely burdensome (Knudsen et al, 2016) with detrimental impacts on both quality of life and psychological well-being (Sawicki & Goss, 2015), and low adherence is a major concern (Keyte et al, 2017). The benefits of self-compassion have not been thoroughly explored within the CF population for possible positive associations with treatment-related challenges.…”

A Qualitative Exploration into Experiences and Attitudes Regarding Psychosocial Challenges, Self-compassion, and Mindfulness in a Population of Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

“…Many challenges faced by adults with CF including education, employment, social support and reproductive health concerns are primary elements of concern to support wellbeing (Muther et al, 2018), indirectly influencing symptom management and treatment adherence (Keyte et al, 2018(Keyte et al, , 2019a(Keyte et al, , 2019b(Keyte et al, , 2020. The psychological distress caused by these new challenges, or by the complexities of daily treatment management of CF, may place individuals at a greater risk for developing poorer mental health or psychological disorders such as anxiety or depression.…”