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Attitudes and Decision Making Related to Pregnancy Among Young Women with Cystic Fibrosis

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Abstract

Introduction The number of female patients with CF able to consider pregnancy has increased with improved therapies. This study explored attitudes and decision making regarding pregnancy among young women with CF. Methods Twenty-two women with CF ages 18–30 years completed semi-structured, in-person interviews exploring experiences with preconception counseling and reproductive care in the CF setting. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using a thematic analysis approach. Results Participants indicated CF is a major factor in pregnancy decision making. Although women acknowledged that CF influences attitudes toward pregnancy, many expressed confusion about how CF can affect fertility/pregnancy. Many perceived disapproval from CF providers regarding pregnancy and were dissatisfied with reproductive care in the CF setting. Discussion Young female patients with CF reported poor understanding of the effect of CF on fertility and pregnancy and limited preconception counseling in CF care. Improvements in female sexual and reproductive health care in CF are warranted.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 1st and 2nd Year Fellowship Grant (KAZMER13B0).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave. AOB 3rd Floor Suite 3300, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA

    Traci M. Kazmerski, Theresa Gmelin & Elizabeth Miller

  2. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Breonna Slocum

  3. Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh and VA Pittsburgh Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Sonya Borrero

Authors
  1. Traci M. Kazmerski
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  2. Theresa Gmelin
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  3. Breonna Slocum
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  4. Sonya Borrero
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  5. Elizabeth Miller
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Correspondence to Traci M. Kazmerski.

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Kazmerski, T.M., Gmelin, T., Slocum, B. et al. Attitudes and Decision Making Related to Pregnancy Among Young Women with Cystic Fibrosis. Matern Child Health J 21, 818–824 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-016-2181-z

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