Sexual and Reproductive Health in Women with Cystic Fibrosis: A Dimensional Concept Analysis

Written by Janet Brown, Patricia A. Patrician, Maria R. Shirey, & Sigrid Ladores

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2019.0901.0903

Abstract

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is no longer a childhood disease. People with CF are living well into adulthood as a result of advancements in research and clinical care. Women with CF desire to become pregnant and accomplish the same life goals as women without CF.

Objective: The purpose of this concept analysis paper is to identify gaps in nursing knowledge and explore potential barriers to the provision of appropriate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education to women with CF.

Methods: A review of literature of SRH in women with CF was analyzed using dimensional analysis of 20 sources found across multiple databases.

Results: This analysis revealed four dimensions from three perspectives related to the topic of SRH in women with CF. The dimensions are prioritization of care, knowledge of topic, comfort with topic, and previous experiences. The perspectives are those of the patient, partner or parent and provider.

Conclusion: This dimensional analysis revealed gaps in nursing knowledge and potential barriers to the provision of appropriate SRH education to women with CF.

Keywords: cystic fibrosis, sexual, reproductive, dimensional analysis, concept analysis