Cystic fibrosis and the transition to adulthood.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has long been thought of as a childhood disease but the life expectancy for those with CF has been steadily on the rise and now reaches well into adulthood. There has been little or no research on the psychosocial impact of CF on becoming an adult. This exploratory, qualitative study examined the perceptions of young adults with CF regarding the impact the disease has had on their lives, especially during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The findings indicate concerns about health insurance and finances, as well as the achievement of independence and optimism for the future.