Research Information System
PAKISTAN PAEDIATRIC JOURNAL, vol.47, pp.409-410, 2024 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Objective: This study investigated what perceptions of adolescents
with cystic fibrosis (CF) regarding sexual and reproductive health
(SRH).
Study Design: This study adopted a descriptive research design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted between
June 2021 and September 2021 through the CF Society of CF
patients, available online.
Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 65 adolescents with
CF between the ages of 14 and 21. Data were collected online using a
personal information form and a Sexual and Reproductive Health
Questionnaire (SRHQ).
Results: More than half of the participants were men (53%). Less than
a quarter of the participants received ventilatory support (14%). 64% of
adolescents were concerned about infertility and this anxiety was
found to be statistically significantly higher in males (p=0.002). 41
participants believed that CF would complicate their sex lives (63%).
42 participants recommended that hospitals integrate SRH into routine
CF follow-up programs (64%).
The knowledge level of males about sexually transmitted diseases was
statistically significantly higher than that of females (p=0.025). In
females; Sexually transmitted diseases (p=0.009), family planned
(p=0.036) and requested education about pregnancy (p=0.005) were
found to be statistically significantly higher than males.
Conclusion: Adolescents believe that CF will affect their SRH. They
are particularly concerned about problems related to puberty, sex life,
and pregnancy. Authorities should develop holistic and family-centered
programs to integrate sexuality into nursing care. Healthcare
professionals should raise adolescents’ awareness of SRH.
Key Words: Cystic fibrosis, Adolescent, Sexual health, Reproductive
health