Physical activity among adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding participation in physical activity among adolescents with cystic fibrosis. A qualitative study using photo-elicitation.
IRAS ID
222672
Contact name
Sarah Denford
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Physical activity can have a substantial impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals with cystic fibrosis. This is particularly important during adolescents, when participation in physical activity can become established and have long term health benefits. However, previous research indicates that adolescents with cystic fibrosis are less active than their peers.
The aim of this study is to explore participation in physical activity among adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Using methods that have previously been shown to increase engagement of adolescents in research, namely photo-elicitation, we will explore the preferences and choices of adolescents with cystic fibrosis, and the social and environmental context in which it occurs, as well as potential barriers and facilitators to being physically active.
Fifteen adolescents with cystic fibrosis will be asked to use a smart phone or similar device to capture images that represent their physical activity behaviour, as well as factors that facilitate and inhibit it. Photographs can be used as representations of an event, activity or action, or symbolically. Participants will be given approximately 14 days to take as many photos as they would like to take, before texting, emailing or using whatsapp to send the photos to the research team. Participants will then be contacted by the researcher, and invited to take part in an interview to discuss the photographs they have taken.
The research will extend our understanding of adolescents' experiences of physical activity as well as barriers and facilitators. This is crucial if we are to develop promotional materials that can help adolescents to become as physically active as they would like to be.
We have engaged with a cystic fibrosis youth advisory group (YAG) and discussed the project. The YAG were enthusiastic about the study, and were keen to be involved throughout (See the PPI section for more information on involvement).REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1321
Date of REC Opinion
1 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion