The Effect of Self-Efficacy, Social Support and Quality of Life on Readiness for Transition to Adult Care Among Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis in Turkey

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of self-efficacy, social support and quality of life on readiness for transition to adult care in adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

Design and methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected from 50 adolescent between 14 and 17 years old with cystic fibrosis, by using The Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire, Social Support Appraisals Scale for Children, Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children and health-related quality-of-life instrument, the KIDSCREEN-10.

Results: A positive correlation was found between the readiness levels of adolescents for transition to adult care and self-efficacy levels. In path analysis, self-efficacy was found to have a significant effect on the level of readiness for transition to adult care. There was not statistically significant relationship between the level of readiness for transition to adult care and health-related quality of life and perceived social support. Path analysis revealed that health-related quality of life and perceived social support had significant effects on the self-efficacy levels of adolescents.

Conclusions: Self-efficacy were associated with readiness for the transition to adult care. Although perceived social support and quality of life were not related with transition readiness these variables had significant effects on perceived self-efficacy, which was determined as a factor affecting the readiness for the transition to adult care.

Practice implications: In adolescents with cystic fibrosis, self-efficacy, social support and quality of life levels should be taken into account when planning preparation programs for transition to adult care.