Perceived Impact of Motherhood on Adherence to Therapy in Mothers with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Aim: To explore the stress related to motherhood and its perceived impact on adherence to therapy in women with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: Cross-sectional study with a purpose-designed questionnaire.

Sample: 46/73 eligible women were enrolled and 38 returned the questionnaire. Mean age of mothers was 33.8 y ± 7.1 y, mean age of firstborn child was 6.9 y ± 5.7 y. Nine women had more than one biological child. 18 mothers (47%) were currently employed, 12 of whom worked 19 to 30 hours per week and none full-time.

Results: There were mothers who reported a detrimental effect on adherence (time constraints 38%; intentional nonadherence 42%), and mothers who reported that adherence had actually improved (29%). Both of these effects were related to daily CF therapy at home. By contrast, i. v. antibiotic therapy was less impaired by role strains, mainly due to home i. v. therapy being an alternative and/or due to intensive social support (husband, parents). Participants clearly addressed the importance of adherence and the need for adequate self-management in narrative comments.

Conclusion: Motherhood may improve adherence to CF therapy as well as it may affect it negatively. Health caregivers are well-advised to address a possible detrimental effect, proactively.