Stigma and optimism in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Despite increased life expectancy among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), few studies have examined coping among adolescents and young adults with CF. Previous research suggests that stigma associated with chronic disease is related to worse physical and psychological health, but optimism may be protective. This study examined stigma and optimism among patients with CF.

Methods: Seventy-two patients with CF (ages 14 to 25) completed a self-report questionnaire assessing stigma, distress, CF-specific quality of life (QoL), and optimism. Objective health data were recorded from patient medical records.

Results: Greater stigma was associated with lower pulmonary function, QoL, and optimism. Stigma was positively correlated with distress. Optimism moderated the relationship between stigma and anxiety (p<0.001), and between stigma and emotional functioning (p<0.01).

Conclusions: Stigma is related to worse lung function and psychological health in patients with CF, but higher levels of optimism may act as a protective factor.

Keywords: Coping; Cystic fibrosis; Optimism; Quality of life; Stigma.