The impact of psychosocial and socioeconomic factors on health status in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Aim: The study objective was the investigation of psychosocial variables affecting the disease trajectory in patient diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). In addition, we analysed the impact of socioeconomic status on patients’ health status. Method: Between 2000 and 2009 all patients treated at the CF Centre at Innsbruck Medical University and aged below 18 (n = 103) were included in the study and assessed longitudinally. As measures of physical health status we recorded lung function values and body mass index (BMI). Psychosocial status was assessed using the Cystic Fibroses Problemchecklists (CFPC) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Lung function and BMI were recorded quarterly. Psychosocial and sociodemographic variables were collected annually at routine examinations. Results: Our results suggest a strong association between mother’s marital status and lung function (mean FEV1: single parent 82.1% vs. parent with spouse 96.2%). In addition, we found an impact of mother’s educational status on lung function (mean FEV1: compulsory school 79.6% vs. university degree 98.6%). We did not find any significant association with BMI and psychosocial variables. Conlusion: A strong impact of education and marital status on the child’s health status was found, although in Austria treatment costs are fully covered by general health insurance and all patients receive the same treatment. We conclude that it is essential to turn attention to the parent’s marital and educational status. To be able to prevent a negative impact, further research is necessary to investigate how these factors affect lung function.