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The Dutch Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptom Tracker for People with Cystic Fibrosis: Associations with anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life
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  • Marieke Verkleij,
  • Berber Vlieg-Boerstra,
  • Geesje Hofsteenge H,
  • Eric Haarman,
  • Jos Twisk,
  • Alexandra Quittner,
  • Tim de Meij
Marieke Verkleij
Emma Kinderziekenhuis Amsterdam UMC

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Berber Vlieg-Boerstra
Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC
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Geesje Hofsteenge H
Emma Kinderziekenhuis Amsterdam UMC
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Eric Haarman
Emma Kinderziekenhuis Amsterdam UMC
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Jos Twisk
Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc Afdeling Epidemiologie en Biostatistiek
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Alexandra Quittner
Pulmonary and Sleep of Tampa Bay Inc
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Tim de Meij
Emma Kinderziekenhuis Amsterdam UMC
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Abstract

Background: People with CF (pwCF) frequently have gastrointestinal symptoms (GI), including abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. These are often embarrassing, difficult to report, and frequently missed. Thus, a GI Symptom Tracker was created and validated in the US and translated and validated in Dutch. This questionnaire consists of four subscales: Eating Challenges, Stools, Adherence Challenges and Abdominal Symptoms. Aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between GI symptoms, anxiety/depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Dutch pwCF. Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional single-center pilot study, pwCF completed the Dutch GI Symptom Tracker, GAD-7 (anxiety), PHQ-9 (depression), and CFQ-R (HRQoL) from Sept 2021-June 2022. Regression analyses were used to analyze the univariable associations between GI symptoms, anxiety/depression and HRQoL. Results: 51 pwCF were enrolled consecutively ( n= 41 adults, 66% female, mean age (y) [range]= 32.7 [19-71] & n=10 adolescents, 70% female, mean age (y) [range]= 14.2 [12-17]). Elevated levels of anxiety (scores ≥10 on GAD-7) were found in 17% of adults and 0% of adolescents. Elevated depression scores ( ≥10 on PHQ-9) were found in 9% of adults and 20% of adolescents. GI scales ‘Eating Challenges’ and ‘Stools’ were significantly, positively associated with elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression. Most GI scales were associated with lower HRQoL. Conclusion: This is the first study investigating the link between GI symptoms assessed by the Dutch GI Symptom Tracker and anxiety/depression and HRQoL in Dutch pwCF. More GI symptoms were associated with higher anxiety and depression scores and worse health-related quality of life. Additional research is needed to better understand how mental and physical health are linked in CF.
21 Jul 2024Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
27 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
27 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
27 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
07 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major