DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/A30J-RN59
Defense Date
2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Robin S. Everhart, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Rosalie Corona, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Michael S. Schechter, MD, MPH
Abstract
Adolescence and young adulthood is a pivotal time for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) that is characterized by increased self-management, transition to adult-oriented healthcare, and often a decline in treatment adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (Abbott et al., 2015; Modi et al., 2008). The literature regarding which factors are important for readiness to transition, treatment adherence, and HRQoL is limited in this population. However, empowerment has emerged as a salient construct in other disease groups (Acuña Mora et al., 2019; Burström et al., 2019; Kaal et al., 2017). As such, this thesis determined the convergent validity of the Gothenburg Young Persons Empowerment Scale (GYPES), as well as examined the association among empowerment, as measured by the GYPES, and transition readiness, treatment adherence, and HRQoL. We hypothesized that that the GYPES would be significantly correlated with a measure of general self-efficacy and higher levels of empowerment would be associated with more transition readiness, better treatment adherence, and better HRQoL. Data were collected from 41 AYAs with CF (mean±SD age = 18±2.89, 80.5% White, 70.7% female) using an electronic survey. In addition to the GYPES, measures included the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ), Treatment Adherence Rating Scale (TARS), and the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R; physical, role, vitality, emotional, and social subscales). Hypotheses were tested using a bivariate correlation and several hierarchical linear regressions. Results indicated that the GSE and GYPES were positively correlated (r(39) = .615, p < .001), indicating convergent validity. In addition, empowerment was positively associated with transition readiness (b = .630, p < .001) and treatment adherence (b = .485, p < .001). Empowerment was not associated with physical functioning (b = .076, p = .68), role functioning (b = .113, p = .47), vitality (b = .281, p = .021), emotional functioning (b = .212, p = .10), or social functioning (b = .008, p = .96) when applying a Bonferroni correction. The present study supported the convergent validity of the GYPES and associations between empowerment and both transition readiness and treatment adherence. Thus, when preparing AYAs for transition or encouraging adherence, empowering AYAs may be an important first step. Further investigation on how to best empower AYAs with CF as well as factors contributing to empowerment in this population is warranted.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-12-2022