The impact of cystic fibrosis on the family: The linkages between family functioning and treatment adherence

This investigation examined the association between observations of the quality of family relationships and family problem-solving skills with the patient's adherence to treatment. Participants included 115 children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF), and their parents who were recruited from five CF centers in the Midwest and Southeast of the United States. Videotaped observations of each family discussing issues of conflict were used to assess the quality of family relationships and problem solving skills. Outcome variables included children's and parents' reports of level of adherence. Results indicated that treatment adherence and family variables are intercorrelated. The observed family relationship quality predicted treatment adherence in the domains of airway clearance and aerosol use, as reported by mothers and fathers, but not as reported by adolescents. Observed problem solving skills did not predict adherence after accounting for relationship quality. Implications for interventions and future research are discussed.