Date of Award

Spring 5-11-1998

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Laura Boisen

Second Advisor

Maria Dinis

Third Advisor

Joseph Clubb

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has long been thought of as a childhood disease due to the shortened life span of its victims. Due to advances in medical research, the life expectancy for those with CF has been steadily on the rise to the current median life expectancy of 30 years. There has been extensive medical research on CF in adulthood but little or no research on the impact of CF on becoming an adult. This exploratory, qualitative study examined the perceptions of adults with CF regarding the impact the disease has had on their lives, especially during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Seven young adults with CF between the ages of 20-26 were interviewed regarding their perceptions of how CF affects their lives and how they feel it impacted their process of becoming an adult. The findings indicate concerns about health insurance, finances and daily treatment requirements, as well as the achievement of independence, a successful transition, and optimism regarding goals for the future. These findings suggest that supportive services related to health insurance and finances are warranted as well as optimism about the future for young adults with CF.

Identifier

SC 11.MSW.1998.Palmer.MK

Download

Included in

Social Work Commons

Share

COinS