Long-term outcomes of standardized training for caregivers of children with tracheostomies: The IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy (ISPAT) project.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Children with tracheostomies are at increased risk of tracheostomy-related complications and require extra care. Standardized training programs for caregivers can improve tracheostomy care and reduce complications. In this study, we compared caregiver knowledge and skill scores after a standardized theoretical and practical training program on tracheostomy care (IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy (ISPAT) project) immediately and 1 year post-training and evaluated how this training affected the children's clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 32 caregivers (31 children) who had received standardized training a year ago and administered the same theoretical and practical tests 1 year after training completion. We recorded tracheostomy-related complications and the number and reasons for admission to the healthcare centers. All data just before the training and 1 year after training completion were compared. RESULTS: After 1 year of training completion, the median number of correct answers on the theoretical test increased to 16.5 from 12 at pretest (p < 0.001). Compared with pretest, at 1-year post-training practical skills assessment scores, including cannula exchange and aspiration, were significantly higher (both p < 0.001) and mucus plug, bleeding, and stoma infection reduced significantly (p = 0.002, 0.022, and 0.004, respectively). Hands-on-training scores were better than pretest but declined slightly at 1 year compared to testing immediately after training. Emergency admission decreased from 64.5% to 32.3% (p = 0.013). Hospitalization decreased from 61.3% to 35.5% (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that caregiver training can lead to a persistent increase in knowledge and skill for as long as 1 year, as well as improvements in several measurable outcomes, although a slight decrease in scores warrants annual repetitions of the training program.

Screening of depression and anxiety in adolescents with cystic fibrosis and caregivers in Turkey by PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their caregivers are 2-3 times higher than in the normal population. This study aims to evaluate the frequency and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms and to determine possible risk factors in CF patients and their mother and/or fathers at Marmara University CF center. METHODS: The study included 132 CF patients who were followed up at our CF center. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) were used to screen depression and anxiety. The questionnaires were completed by 50 CF patients (aged 12-17 years) and 132 parents of patients (aged 0-17 years). RESULTS: While moderate to severe depressive symptoms were seen in 26% of patients, 33.7% of mothers and 14.6% of fathers; moderate to severe anxiety were present in 18%, 21.8% and 8.5%, respectively. None of the demographic characteristics was identified as a predictor of depression or anxiety. GAD-7 scores have shown a higher prevalence of anxiety in mothers of patients with chronic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (p = .034). Additionally, hospitalization in the last 12 months was significantly correlated with higher PHQ-9 scores in fathers (p = .043). Analysis of patients' adherence to medical treatment and airway clearance showed higher depression and anxiety in mothers of the nonadherent group (p = .002). CONCLUSION: Depression and anxiety were common in CF patients and their parents. These results illustrate the importance of depression/anxiety screening and psychosocial support for the CF patient and their parents.

Major depression and psychiatric comorbidity in Turkish children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Many psychological factors contribute to an increased risk of depression in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aims to evaluate coexisting psychiatric disorders, perceived social support, and quality of life (QoL) in Turkish children with CF and compare these factors with those of a control group. METHODS: The study group consisted of 32 children (8-16 years of age) with CF and a group of 33 age- and sex-matched control children. All subjects completed the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Disorders (SCARED), Social Support Appraisals Scale, and Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire. Psychiatric diagnoses were established using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version. RESULTS: Of the children with CF, 80% of those in the 8 to 11 years age range and 50% of those in the 12 to 17 years age range had at least one psychiatric disorder, that is, 68% of the 33 children with CF had at least one psychiatric disorder. Anxiety disorder (46.8%) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (21.8%) were also common among children with CF. The rates of depression in the CF group and control group were 21.9% and 6.1%, respectively (P > .05). The CF subjects with coexisting depression exhibited higher levels of disease severity, longer periods of hospitalization, and more frequent anxiety disorder. When compared with the control group, the QoL among the Turkish children with CF was lower (P < .05). The CDI and SCARED are relatively sensitive and specific screening tools for depression and anxiety in children with CF. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric disorders were more frequently found in children and adolescents with CF. By examining symptoms of anxiety and depression and by using screening tools, CF patients who exhibit symptoms of psychiatric disorders can be better identified and evaluated.