289 How do men and women with cystic fibrosis think their illness and associated experiences affects their body image, sexuality, relationships and their ideas about parenthood?

Objectives

This study explored how men and women with CF think their illness and associated experiences affect their body image, relationships, sexuality and feelings about parenthood in an attempt to improve understanding about the psychosocial aspects of living with CF.

Methods

This qualitative study used a semi-structured interview to encourage participants (n = 12) to describe their experiences of CF. Thematic analysis was used and five themes were identified: body image and self-esteem, disclosure, friendships, intimate relationships, and parenthood, which were further organised into 15 subthemes.

Results

Body image findings suggested that women with CF are mainly happy with their slim body shape whilst men often want to gain weight/muscle to feel more attractive. In respect of disclosure, most participants wanted to get to know others before disclosing they have CF as they were concerned people might treat them differently. For most participants the desire for independence was the greatest consideration in the maintenance of a relationship. Factors found to affect intimate relationships included the direct effects of CF such as, coughing, tiredness and other physical symptoms on sexual relationships. A possible protective effect of parenthood was found; men and women with CF who had children reported they prioritised treatment in order to optimise health as they felt they had a duty to be as healthy as they could for their children.

Conclusion

This research extends the literature, particularly in the area of parenthood, by researching men with CF as well as women. Men indicated that being infertile had, in many cases, not deterred them from considering parenthood.