Health related quality of life in cystic fibrosis: To work or not to work?

AbstractBackgroundThe present study investigated whether patients with CF who are studying or working report a better HRQoL in comparison to non-working/studying patients.Methods57 adult CF patients completed the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire—Revised, a CF-specific measure of HRQoL. Medical condition was quantified in terms of FEV1 % predicted, BMI, Pseudomonas aer. status, pancreatic status (PS), having an indwelling catheter device (PAC), CF Related Diabetes Mellitus and nutritional status.ResultsMean age was 26.7 years (SD 8.1), mean FEV1 % predicted was 65.09 (SD 22.18), mean BMI was 21.23 (SD 3.45). FEV1 % predicted was related to HRQoL domains Physical Functioning and General Health (r=0.27 and 0.38 respectively, p<0.05). A higher BMI was associated with better scores on Eating Disturbances (= fewer problems; r=0.44, p<0.01) and a better perception of Weight (r=0.43, p<0.01) and Body Image (r=0.28, p