#00042Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors on reproductive health of patients followed at hacettepe university adult cystic fibrosis (CF) center

Development in current diagnosis and treatment methods, led to incread survival rates and more patients reach adulthood. As population of adult patients increase, the need for reproductive health and genetic counseling services in adulthood has come into question. 

All patients answered the 'Respiratory Functions and Reproductive Health Questionnaire in CF Patients'. Scrotal USG and spermiogram examinations from male patients were planned.  100 patients included in the study. 

Knowledge of patients about infertility did not affect the contraceptive method they applied and the frequency of sexual intercourse (p= 0.408 and 0.18, respectively). It was observed that the source of information did not affect the thoughts about the relationship of the disease with infertility, the method of contraception applied and the frequency of sexual intercourse (p 0.71, 0.393, 0.662, respectively). The source of information about reproductive health in cystic fibrosis did not affect level of anxiety (p=0.002). Knowing that their level of knowledge about the relationship of their disease with infertility was sufficient also affected their anxiety levels (p=0.007).

In conclusion, a significant proportion of patients did not have sufficient knowledge about the effects of the disease on reproductive health, and this situation was also reflected in the attitudes and behaviors of the patients. It was interesting that the majority of male patients did not accept to have spermiogram and scrotal USG examinations. It has been observed that adult patients should be informed about the effects of the disease on reproductive health and should receive genetic counseling.