Physical performance, quality of life and sexual satisfaction evaluation in adults with cystic fibrosis: An unexplored correlation

Objective

Quality of life (QOL), sexual satisfaction (SS) and physical performance have been assessed in the management of numerous chronic diseases.

Methods

In this study, the following tests and surveys were applied: (i) QOL questionnaire [Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire (CFQ)]; (ii) SS questionnaire (SSQ) [female sexual quotient (FSQ) and male sexual quotient (MSQ)]; (iii) 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Spearman's correlation was used for comparison between the data; the Mann–Whitney test was applied to analyze the difference between genders. A total of 52 adult patients with CF were included in this study.

Results

There was a positive correlation between CFQ domains and SSQ questions. The CFQ showed a positive correlation with peripheral oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SpO₂) and the distance walked in the 6MWT, and a negative correlation with the Borg scale. The SSQ showed positive correlation with the distance walked and a negative correlation with the Borg scale. For some markers evaluated in the 6MWT, there was sometimes association with the evaluated domains and questions. Male patients showed better scores in the emotional CFQ domain, better performance in SSQ and physical performance.

Conclusions

There was a correlation between CFQ, SSQ and 6MWT in CF. Finally; we believe that QOL surveys should assess the domain “sexuality” as well as physical performance tests.