Maintaining mental health and function for the long run in cystic fibrosis

Psychosocial needs and interventions for young children with cystic fibrosis and their families

This review summarises the experiences of young children and their families living with CF during the first five years of life following NBS diagnosis, as well as the options of psychosocial support available to them. We present strategies embedded within routine CF care that focus on prevention, screening, and intervention for psychosocial health and wellbeing that constitute essential components of multidisciplinary care in infancy and early childhood.

Clearing up the smoke: Physical and mental health considerations regarding cannabis use in adolescents with cystic fibrosis

The cannabis plant is the most used federally illegal drug in the United States and is widely used by adolescents. Cannabis has complex effects on the body and mind. All health professionals who take care of adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) should be aware of the factors impacting cannabis use in CF. Given limited evidence regarding the benefits of cannabis and the significant risks, clinicians have the responsibility to identify risk of cannabis use early, counsel patients about the risks, provide a safe space for ongoing conversations about cannabis use in the context of CF care, and deliver evidence-based interventions.

Comparison of mental health in individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis, and parent caregivers

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with chronic respiratory diseases and caregivers are at higher risk for depression and anxiety. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and cystic fibrosis (CF) are both rare genetic diseases, characterized by recurrent respiratory infections. This study compared depression and anxiety in people with PCD (pwPCD) and CF (pwCF), and caregivers, using the screening tools recommended in the CF guidelines.

METHODS

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) were administered to a PCD and CF sample. Given that PCD is extremely rare, they were matched on age and sex to pwCF at a 1:2 ratio. Similar procedures were performed with parents.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients and 129 caregivers participated: 21 pwPCD and 42 pwCF (ages 12-34 years) plus 43 caregivers of pwPCD and 86 caregivers of pwCF. A high percentage of patients scored above the cut-off for depression (PCD: 33%; CF: 43%) and anxiety (PCD and CF both: 43%), mostly mild. Similarly, a high percentage of caregivers scored above the cut-off for depression (PCD: 42-54%; CF: 45-46%) and anxiety (PCD: 47-54%; CF: 39-56%). Suicidal ideation was endorsed by 9.5% of pwPCD, 20% of mothers and 10% of fathers and 5% of pwCF, 3% of mothers, but no fathers.

CONCLUSION

A large percentage of patients and caregivers reported elevated psychological distress and suicidal ideation. Addressing psychological symptoms is critical given they are associated with poor adherence, missed clinic visits, increased inflammation and worse quality of life. Mental health screening and treatment should be integrated into PCD care.

Management of Mental Health in Cystic Fibrosis

This article is intended for use among all cystic fibrosis care team members. It covers common mental health concerns and their unique presentations in persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) in areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral disorders emerging in childhood, sleep, problematic eating patterns, and the impact of substance use. Furthermore, the authors address ways to manage these mental health symptoms through risk assessment, psychological interventions, and/or psychotropic medications. Quick reference tables are provided for evidence-based psychological interventions and medications often used for mental health conditions in pwCF.

Behavioral Health Screening in Military Cystic Fibrosis Centers: A Survey

INTRODUCTION

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-threatening genetic illness in the United States. People with CF as well as their caregivers are up to three times more likely to report experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety than those without CF. In 2016, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the European Cystic Fibrosis Society came together to form the International Committee on Mental Health in CF and released guidelines outlining behavioral health (BH) screening recommendations for patients with CF and at least one primary caregiver. This study sought to characterize the role of BH care in routine CF treatment within the DoD health care system and identify potential opportunities for improvement. The resultant brief report is intended to elucidate and present identified areas of improvement as well as to inform further research projects in this field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A representative sample of program leaders (8 of 12; five program directors and three nurse coordinators) from all six affiliate CF centers in the DoD completed a 23-item web-based survey. This study sought to identify the following: (1) What tools are DoD affiliate CF centers using to screen patients with CF and their caregiver(s) for psychological distress and how often does screening take place? (2) What is the composition of the DoD's CF BH teams by specialty and to what degree are BH personnel available to support the needs of CF patients? (3) How comfortable are program directors and nurse coordinators in screening patients with CF and their caregiver(s) for indicators of psychological distress? (4) How familiar are CF BH teams with the use of the U.S. Military's Behavioral Health Data Portal (BHDP)? This descriptive study was approved by the Human Use Committee at the Tripler Army Medical Center.

RESULTS

The results of this study indicated that 80% of the DoD affiliate CF centers are screening patients with CF who are 12 years and older and at least one caregiver at least annually for depression and anxiety with the Patient Health Questionnaire depression module and generalized anxiety disorder screening tool, respectively. Reported screening tools for suicidality were not standardized across centers. All respondents indicated that there is a designated social worker in their CF clinic team. Three-quarters of respondents reported that their social worker is physically present in CF clinics 75%-100% of the time. Other types of BH team members varied by clinic. Program directors and nurse coordinators on average indicated feeling "somewhat comfortable" in screening patients with CF for depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Eighty percent of program directors reported being "not so comfortable" in screening caregivers for depression, anxiety, and suicidality, with nurse coordinators on average reporting feeling "somewhat comfortable." Eighty percent of affiliate CF centers indicated that they are unaware of, are not utilizing, or do not have access to the BHDP to screen and record BH data for patients with CF or their caregiver(s).

CONCLUSIONS

This study characterized routine CF BH care at DoD affiliate CF centers. Areas for improvement include the standardized use of screening tools for suicidality, increased provider comfort with screening, and streamlined recording and tracking of this data using the BHDP. Limitations of this study include inherent self-report bias, specifically social desirability bias. Steps toward suggested improvements and further utilization of the BHDP may improve BH care for patients with CF and their caregiver(s) in addition to facilitating future research.

Mental health care needs in cystic fibrosis: A scoping review

People with cystic fibrosis experience rates of anxiety and depression that are considerably higher than those of the general population. Research suggests low mental health functioning can lead to poor health outcomes and quality of life for this population. Consequently, recognition of the need for routine mental health screening and referral in cystic fibrosis care is increasing. Yet to date, less is known about the actual mental health care needs of people with cystic fibrosis. This scoping review sought to address this gap by examining the mental health care needs of adults and adolescents living with cystic fibrosis, and how are these needs are (or are not) being met. Findings suggest current efforts at mental health care provision do not adequately meet the needs of people with cystic fibrosis, highlighting the urgency of conducting high quality intervention research to support effective mental health care for this population.

Development and evaluation of an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for anxiety and depression in adults with cystic fibrosis (eHealth CF-CBT): An international collaboration

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at increased risk for anxiety and depression, with negative consequences for adherence, health, and quality of life. New approaches to prevent and treat anxiety and depression that are tailored to the concerns of this population are needed. A CF-specific internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention was developed to increase access to evidence-based mental health care and decrease cost and burden of care for people with CF.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usability and acceptability of "eHealth CF-CBT," an internet-based program integrating therapist-guided online self-management modules with in-person or virtual sessions.

METHODS

Dutch adults with CF (N = 16) and CF health care providers (N = 16) systematically tested all sessions of the eHealth CF-CBT program, provided qualitative feedback, and completed measures including eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ), and System Usability Scale (SUS).

RESULTS

Patient and provider ratings of their overall impression of the eHealth CF-CBT program were high, with scores (mean; SD) of 8.3; 0.6 and 8.2; 0.8 respectively on a 10-point scale. Mean ratings of usability by patients (77.0/100) and providers (73.4/100) surpassed the SUS cut point for good favorability. Ratings (pooled mean; SD) on the assessed eHIQ domains Motivation and Confidence to Act (71.3; 10.0), Information and Presentation (78.9; 9.6), and Identification (62.0; 15.1) were positive, as were assessments of specific elements of session content and format.

CONCLUSIONS

eHealth CF-CBT is the first therapist-guided internet-delivered CBT-based intervention for adults with CF. Initial evaluation with key stakeholders demonstrated high levels of acceptability and usability and provided input that was integrated to strengthen the program. Effectiveness testing in the Netherlands will be the next step, as well as future international adaptation and dissemination.

Promoting emotional wellness in children with CF, part II: Mental health assessment and intervention

This is the second of two companion papers that examine the emotional wellness of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) during the early years of life, defined here as the period between birth and age 12. Both papers promote optimal mental health and well-being, with an emphasis on early identification and intervention. The first paper explores child and family resilience. Here, we discuss strategies for pediatric CF teams to provide routine, systematic mental health assessment, anticipatory guidance, brief intervention, and triage to evidence-based treatment when needed, while addressing barriers to accessing care. Many mental health conditions emerge before the age of 12, with the potential for lifelong effects on individuals, their families, and society. Living with a chronic illness such as CF can further increase the risk of mental health concerns and, in a bidirectional manner, their consequences for the quality of life, sustaining daily care, and health outcomes. There has been a significant focus in recent years on the mental health and wellness of adolescents and adults with CF, but less attention to specifics of depression and anxiety in younger children, or to other common pediatric comorbidities including trauma, developmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder, and oppositional behavior. Given the availability of psychometrically sound screening instruments and effective interventions, routinely addressing the mental health of children with CF and their families is feasible to integrate within multidisciplinary CF care, allowing for a personalized approach respecting individual needs, values, and goals.

Implementation strategies for depression and anxiety screening in a pediatric cystic fibrosis center: A quality improvement project

BACKGROUND

Guidelines to integrate mental health screening (MHS) into Cystic fibrosis (CF) care has increased adoption across the United States and European CF Centers, however, there has been limited discussion on specific strategies for implementation.

OBJECTIVE

Share key strategies that led to successful MHS implementation in one pediatric CF center and report implementation and screening outcomes.

METHODS

Parent partners, mental health experts from the Department of Psychiatry, and the CF clinic team codesigned interventions to support three major stakeholders: (a) patients and families (b) clinic team, and (c) hospital system. The mental health coordinator approached patients (12 and older) to introduce MHS and administered screening and reviewed results using an electronic tablet and digital measurement-feedback system. We used strategies that promoted visibility of screening progress and sharing of data with hospital administration. Descriptive statistics were used to assess prevalence of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression and symptom severity within our sample.

RESULTS

Over the first 2 years of the project, we exceeded our goal of screening 80% of eligible patients per year (80%-95% screened) and are on a similar trajectory within the first 7 months of year 3. We identified high prevalence of clinically significant symptoms of depression (16%) and anxiety (14%) similar to those found in other chronic illness populations. These data helped us advocate hospital leadership to support the development of new mental health services to address identified needs at our center.

CONCLUSION

Leveraging coproduction to address stakeholder needs led to successful implementation of a sustainable MHS process.

Rates of depression and anxiety in Italian patients with cystic fibrosis and parent caregivers: Implementation of the Mental Health Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Individuals with chronic respiratory conditions are at-risk for depression and anxiety. In the largest mental health screening study of over 6000 people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and 4000 parent caregivers (TIDES, 2014), rates of symptomatology were two to three times higher than in the general population. International guidelines recommend annual screening of mental health. This is the first study to implement these guidelines in one of the largest CF Centers in Italy.

METHODS

All individuals with CF, 12 and older (n = 167) and caregivers of children with CF (n = 186), birth to 18, were screened. Health outcome data were also collected (i.e FEV₁, BMI, pulmonary exacerbations, CF-related diabetes). Prevalence data and associations between psychological symptoms and health outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

A high percentage of patients and parent caregivers reported scored above the clinical cut-off for depression and anxiety (37%-48% of adolescents, 45%-46% of adults, 49%-66% of mothers and fathers). Most scores fell in the mild range, however, over 30% were in the moderate to severe range. Elevations in depression and anxiety were correlated. Adolescents who had more pulmonary exacerbations reported higher anxiety. Adults with recent events of hemoptysis reported higher symptoms of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of depression and anxiety were elevated in both individuals with CF and parents. Implementation of mental health screening was critical for identifying those in need of psychological interventions. These results strongly suggest that mental health should be integrated into physical health care for those with complex, chronic respiratory conditions, including COPD, PCD.

Introduction to Cystic Fibrosis for Mental Health Care Coordinators and Providers: Collaborating to Promote Wellness

To maximize health, individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) follow a complex, burdensome daily care regimen. Managing CF is associated with a range of significant biopsychosocial challenges and places individuals with CF, and their caregivers, at greater risk for developing anxiety and depression. To promote wellness and address the potential barriers that affect management of this complex chronic illness, many individuals would benefit from treatment from a behavioral health provider. Social workers within multidisciplinary CF care teams are well positioned to respond to this need, and an expanding number of social workers serving as behavioral health providers in the community will be sought as a resource to provide treatment to this population. This article serves as a primer for social workers to maximize knowledge of the psychosocial and potential behavioral health needs of individuals with CF across the life span. To best support individuals with CF, authors describe the disease-specific manifestations and outline the numerous potential clinical targets for social work to promote wellness. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of communication with the medical team and considerations for effective collaborative care.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety among children with cystic fibrosis and their mothers

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate anxiety among children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their mothers related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A total of 45 patients with CF and their mothers were enrolled in the study together with 90 age-matched healthy children and their mothers as a control group. The State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered by teleconference with children aged 13 to 18 years old and their mothers. The STAI for children was administered with children aged 9 to 12 years. Results were compared with age-matched healthy children and their mothers. The relationship between anxiety scores of children with CF and their mothers was evaluated by comparing with clinical data of children with CF. At the conclusion of the teleconference, mothers were asked whether their anxiety had changed as a result of the interview.

RESULTS

It was found that healthy children aged 13 to 18 years had higher state anxiety scores than age-matched children with CF. Mothers of children with CF had higher trait anxiety scores, especially those of children aged 0 to 12 years, than mothers of healthy children (P < .05). For mothers of children with CF, state anxiety scores were higher among those whose children had chronic Pseudomonas infection (P < .05). Most mothers of children with CF stated that their anxiety decreased following the interview.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic may increase anxiety among mothers of children with CF as well those with healthy children. However, COVID-19 had no effect on the anxiety of children with CF. Informing parents of children with CF about COVID-19 by teleconference may decrease anxiety.

Lung transplant referral practice patterns: a survey of cystic fibrosis physicians and general pulmonologists

BACKGROUND

Many individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) die from respiratory failure without referral for lung transplant. Physician practices that may expedite, delay, or preclude referral, are poorly understood.

METHODS

Two parallel, web-based surveys focusing on lung transplant referral triggers and barriers, as well as pre-referral evaluation, were emailed to pulmonologists practicing in the New England region. One questionnaire was sent to CF providers (n = 61), and the second to general pulmonary providers practicing at the same institutions (n = 61).

RESULTS

There were 43 (70%) responses to the CF provider survey, and 25 (41%) responses to the general pulmonary ('non-CF') provider survey. Primary reasons for CF providers to refer their patients included: rapidly declining lung function (91%) and a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) below 30% predicted (74%). The greatest barriers to referral for both CF and non-CF providers included active tobacco use (65 and 96%, respectively, would not refer), and active alcohol or other substance use or dependence (63 and 80%). Furthermore, up to 42% of CF providers would potentially delay their referral if triple-combination therapy or other promising new, disease-specific therapy were anticipated. In general, non-CF providers perform a more robust pre-referral medical work-up, while CF providers complete a psychosocial evaluation in higher numbers. Across both groups, communication with lung transplant programs was reported to be inadequate.

CONCLUSIONS

Physician-level barriers to timely lung transplant referral exist and need to be addressed. Enhanced communication between lung transplant programs and pulmonary providers may reduce these barriers.

Regulation of CFTR Biogenesis by the Proteostatic Network and Pharmacological Modulators

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal inherited disease among Caucasians in North America and a significant portion of Europe. The disease arises from one of many mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, or CFTR. The most common disease-associated allele, F508del, along with several other mutations affect the folding, transport, and stability of CFTR as it transits from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the plasma membrane, where it functions primarily as a chloride channel. Early data demonstrated that F508del CFTR is selected for ER associated degradation (ERAD), a pathway in which misfolded proteins are recognized by ER-associated molecular chaperones, ubiquitinated, and delivered to the proteasome for degradation. Later studies showed that F508del CFTR that is rescued from ERAD and folds can alternatively be selected for enhanced endocytosis and lysosomal degradation. A number of other disease-causing mutations in CFTR also undergo these events. Fortunately, pharmacological modulators of CFTR biogenesis can repair CFTR, permitting its folding, escape from ERAD, and function at the cell surface. In this article, we review the many cellular checkpoints that monitor CFTR biogenesis, discuss the emergence of effective treatments for CF, and highlight future areas of research on the proteostatic control of CFTR.

Assessing psychosocial risk in pediatric cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Psychosocial risk factors are known to impact quality of life, treatment adherence, and health outcomes. No standardized comprehensive psychosocial risk screener is routinely utilized in cystic fibrosis (CF) care. The objectives of the study were to describe the range and severity of psychosocial risk within this CF population, investigate the reliability of a comprehensive psychosocial screener in pediatric CF clinical care, and explore relationships between psychosocial risk and key factors affecting health outcomes. It was hypothesized that the PAT-CF total and subscale α coefficients would be similar to those found in other pediatric medical populations.

METHOD

Parents of 154 children with CF completed a CF-specific version of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool_All-lit (PAT-CF), an empirically-based psychosocial risk assessment, during routine CF clinical care.

RESULTS

The internal consistency of the PAT-CF Total score was 0.71. Total score and subscale reliabilities reflect findings in other pediatric populations. Total risk scores fell in the following categories: 7% (Clinical-highest risk), 41% (Targeted), and 52% (Universal-lowest risk), respectively. Increased psychosocial risk was associated with Medicaid status and lower parent education, whereas having private insurance was associated with decreased psychosocial risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The PAT-CF can feasibly be used as an empirically-based comprehensive psychosocial risk tool in routine CF care and is acceptable by parents. In addition to providing universal anticipatory guidance regarding child and family wellness, early identification of risk factors allows care teams to proactively provide targeted support and intervention for specific psychosocial risk factors to promote improved quality of life and ability to sustain daily care.

Overcoming psychosocial challenges in cystic fibrosis: Promoting resilience

Individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF), and their families, have experienced significant improvements in treatment and related research that have enhanced outcomes and survival. Despite such advancement, the burden of living with CF still exists. Many psychosocial stressors and risk factors are associated with the impact of CF. The identification and treatment of such risk factors are discussed throughout this review, with an emphasis on strategies to address psychosocial risk and the importance of promoting resiliency in those touched by CF.

Anxiety-related disorders: An overview

Anxiety-related disorders are common in the child and adolescent population. They cause significant distress, which can affect social, emotional, family and academic functioning. They frequently present in general paediatric and primary care settings. Comprehensive assessment should include the child as well as parent and family functioning because anxiety-related disorders in other family members are common and, if untreated, can affect outcomes for the child. There are good evidence-based psychological interventions available, which should be the first line of treatment offered; accessing appropriate therapies for an adequate duration of treatment can, however, be challenging. Medication, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, may have a role to play but should be used in the context of psychologically based therapies. Prevention of anxiety-related disorders in childhood is a major public health issue. Prevention programmes are available and should commence in the antenatal period through infancy, early childhood and adolescence, promoting positive attachments and resilience.

ECFS best practice guidelines: the 2018 revision

Developments in managing CF continue to drive dramatic improvements in survival. As newborn screening rolls-out across Europe, CF centres are increasingly caring for cohorts of patients who have minimal lung disease on diagnosis. With the introduction of mutation-specific therapies and the prospect of truly personalised medicine, patients have the potential to enjoy good quality of life in adulthood with ever-increasing life expectancy. The landmark Standards of Care published in 2005 set out what high quality CF care is and how it can be delivered throughout Europe. This underwent a fundamental re-write in 2014, resulting in three documents; center framework, quality management and best practice guidelines. This document is a revision of the latter, updating standards for best practice in key aspects of CF care, in the context of a fast-moving and dynamic field. In continuing to give a broad overview of the standards expected for newborn screening, diagnosis, preventative treatment of lung disease, nutrition, complications, transplant/end of life care and psychological support, this consensus on best practice is expected to prove useful to clinical teams both in countries where CF care is developing and those with established CF centres. The document is an ECFS product and endorsed by the CF Network in ERN LUNG and CF Europe.

Integrated Behavioral Health Care in Pediatric Subspecialty Clinics

Comorbid behavioral and physical health conditions are accompanied by troubling symptom burden, functional impairment, and treatment complexity. Pediatric subspecialty care clinics offer an opportunity for the implementation of integrated behavioral health (BH) care models that promote resiliency. This article reviews integrated BH care in oncology, palliative care, pain, neuropsychiatry, cystic fibrosis, and transplantation. Examples include integrated care mandates, standards of care, research, and quality improvement by child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) and allied BH clinicians. The role of CAPs in integrated BH care in subspecialty care is explored, focusing on cost, resource use, financial support, and patient and provider satisfaction.

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Modulators: Implications for the Management of Depression and Anxiety in Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at high risk for depression and anxiety, which are associated with worse medical outcomes. Novel therapies for CF hold great promise for improving physical health, but the effects of these therapies on mental health remain poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to familiarize psychiatrists with the potential effect of novel CF therapies on depression and anxiety.

METHODS

We discuss novel therapies that directly target the mutant CF protein, the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR), which are called CFTR modulators. We summarize depression and anxiety screening and treatment guidelines under implementation in accredited CF centers. Case vignettes highlight the complexities of caring for individuals with CF with comorbid depression and anxiety, including patients experiencing worsening depression and anxiety proximate to initiation of CFTR modulator therapy, and management of drug-drug interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although CFTR modulator therapies provide hope for improving clinical outcomes, worsening depression and anxiety occurs in some patients when starting these novel agents. This phenomenon may be multifactorial, with hypothesized contributions from CFTR modulator-psychotropic medication interactions, direct effects of CFTR modulators on central nervous system function, the psychologic effect of starting a potentially life-altering drug, and typical triggers of depression and anxiety such as stress, pain, and inflammation. The medical and psychiatric complexity of many individuals with CF warrants more direct involvement of mental health specialists on the multidisciplinary CF team. Inclusion of mental health variables in patients with CF registries will facilitate further examination at an epidemiologic level.

Socioeconomic Status, Smoke Exposure, and Health Outcomes in Young Children With Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Lower socioeconomic status (SES) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure are both associated with poorer disease outcomes in cystic fibrosis (CF), and children with low SES are disproportionately exposed to ETS. We analyzed a large cohort of young children with CF to distinguish the impact of SES and ETS on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The Early Pseudomonas Infection Control Observational study enrolled Pseudomonas-negative young children with CF <13 years of age. An enrollment survey assessed SES and ETS exposures. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), crackles and wheezes, and weight-for-age percentile were assessed at each clinical encounter over at least 4 years. Repeated measures analyses estimated the association of SES and ETS exposures with longitudinal clinical outcomes, adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Of 1797 participants, 1375 were eligible for analysis. Maternal education was high school or less in 28.1%, 26.8% had household income <$40 000, and 43.8% had Medicaid or no insurance. Maternal smoking after birth was present in 24.8%, more prevalent in household with low SES. In separate models, lower SES and ETS exposure were significantly associated with lower FEV₁% predicted, presence of crackles or wheezes, and lower weight percentile. In combined models, effect estimates for SES changed minimally after adjustment for ETS exposures, whereas estimates for ETS exposures were attenuated after adjusting for SES.

CONCLUSIONS

ETS exposure was disproportionately high in low SES families in this cohort of children with CF. Lower SES and ETS exposure had independent adverse effects on pulmonary and nutritional outcomes. Estimated effect of SES on FEV₁ decreased minimally after ETS adjustment, suggesting health disparity risks independent of ETS exposure.