Adolescent and caregiver mental health, pulmonary function, and healthcare utilization in pediatric cystic fibrosis

ABSTRACT

Cystic fibrosis (CF) increases risk for mental health symptoms. This study evaluated patient and caregiver screening for anxiety and depression symptoms as related to pulmonary function (PF) and health-care utilization (HCU). Participants included adolescents, young adults (AYAs; N = 119) and their caregivers (N = 104). AYA depression symptoms correlated with number of hospitalizations (NOH; r = 0.194, p = .035) and length of stay (LOS; r = 0.198, p = .031). AYA LOS correlated with caregiver depression (r = 0.230, p = .019) and anxiety (r = 0.339, p < .001) symptoms. Caregiver anxiety symptoms (sr² = 0.044), depression symptoms (sr² = 0.039), and AYA PF (sr² = 0.193) predicted HCU. Psychosocial screening and intervention are recommended for standard care.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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Funding

The authors reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.