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Objectives: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, life-shortening disease with a significant treatment burden. Today, managing CF is an ongoing challenge - from adhering to treatment plans to managing symptoms to optimize quality of life. The aim of this study is to show if nurse-provided education can improve adherance and quality of life in patients with CF. Methods: 28 CF patients (12 male, 14 female), aged 18 to 36, were recruited from adult CF centre in Zagreb, Croatia. Nurse educated each patient on the importance of respiratory clearance and nutrition, taking medication and inhaler therapy use. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) and BMI were measured prior to education and again 4 months later. Patients completed Short form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), Morisky, Green and Levine scale (MGL) and the Culig Scale before and 4 months after education. Results: After education, FEV1 value increased by 5, 27% and BMI increased 2, 31%. Difference was not statistically significant but correlation shows statistically significant positive connection. Results obtained at the beginning using MGL scale show that 65% of patients (17 out of 26) occasionally forgot to take prescribed treatment. 4 months later, results show 16, 9% improvement. Čulig scale indicates forgetfulness as main reason for non-adherence and 18% improvement after 4 months. Both results are not statistically significant. SF-36 indicate a positive trend in improving perception of one’s health and quality of life since 7% of patients responded their overall health improved. Conclusion: This study suggests a significant role of the nurse in patient care and importance of nurse-provided education.

Background: Significantly lower quality of life in transplanted patients has been reported in the domains of physical functioning, pain and health. [1] Aims: Are there any statistically significant difference among patients after lung transplantation and the general population in: 1) intensity, nature and quality of the pain 2) degree of the pain which interferes with the performance of various activities. Method: A prospective trial was conducted from Apr to Aug 2017 on a sample of patients after lung transplantation(N=30) and individuals from the general population–control group(N=30), to determine presence of pain in patients after lung transplantation. Criteria for the selection of transplanted patients: monitored by our clinic, 18–65 years of life, criteria for the control group to suit a group of transplanted by: age, sex and education. We used the following measuring instruments: painDETECT, Brief Pain Inventory. Results: 1)There was a statistically significant difference in the nature of the pain between study and control group, but no significant difference in intensity and quality of pain. 2)Brief Pain Inventory equally has been perceived by study and control groups. Conclusion: Transplanted patients had presence of pain that was different in its nature, but degree of the pain which interferes with the performance of various activities does not show statistically significant differences between the study and control group. Perhaps it can be assumed due to the strict rules of the lifestyle after lung transplantation in these patients, but further research are needed.

Objectives: Lung transplantation is a complex, high- risk, potentially life-saving therapy for the patient with the end-stage of cystic fibrosis (CF). The decision to pursue transplantation involves comparing the likelihood of survival with and without transplantation as well as assessing the effect of wait-listing and transplantation on the patient's quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine is there a difference in psychological status between CF patients who have not been transplanted and CF lung transplant recipients. Methods: Two patient groups, adult CF patients (N=22) and adult CF lung transplant recipients (N=6), participated in our study. The patients completed Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ 9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD 7). These data were compared to health status data, including pulmonary function testing and nutritional status measures. Results: In adult CF group, 52% of patients had mild to moderate anxiety and 95% mild to moderate depression. In adult CF lung transplant recipients group, 17% of subjects had minimal anxiety and 83% had minimal depression. Conclusion: In this study we find significant difference in the level of anxiety and depression between CF patients who have not been transplanted and CF lung transplant recipients. Lung transplantation in CF patient significantly contributed to the improvement of the psychological condition and quality of life.

Objectives: Living with chronic illness such as cystic fibrosis (CF) is accompanied by medical and psychological difficulties. To identify and treat depression and anxiety in CF, the CF Foundation and the European CF Society invited a panel of experts, including physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, a pharmacist, parents and an individual with CF, to develop consensus recommendations for clinical care. The aim of this study was to assess anxiety and depression by using validated mental health survey data. Methods: CF patients were recruited from adult CF centre in Zagreb, Croatia from October 2016 to December 2017. 22 patients (13 female, 9 male, mean age 24, 18-33 years) completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). Results: 82% and 59% of our patients had a normal anxiety and depression score (0-4), 41% of patients have symptoms of anxiety, and 18% of the patients have symptoms of depression (score between 5 and 9). No one had any serious anxiety and/or depression present. Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are serious complication of chronic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis. Our results highlight the need for improved early identification and management strategies for psychological illnesses in adult CF patients. Research efforts are needed to identify effective strategies for delivering anxiety and depression treatment in CF patients and to assess their risks and benefits. Furthermore, strategies that help patients maintain or even improve lung function may be an interesting topic for further studies to learn more about resources and successful coping strategies.

Introduction: Aims of the research was to determine: 1)The distribution of respondents by categories OSA according to measured value AHI, 2)OSA in interaction with specific cardiovascular outcomes. Method: These are the results for the year 2008 to 2010. The target group were all patients who came to the OSA treatment (N=277). OSA has been defined as negative AHI30. In each respondents, we recorded the AHI, BMI, age, sex, comorbidities. AHI is a result of polysomnography (PSG). All respondents made a complete full night PSG (ALICE IV or LE 5 Respironics). Results: 1)The distribution of respondents by categories OSA according to measured value AHI ; respondents with AHI30(32%) (N=277). 2)Display distribution of respondents by categories OSA according to measured value AHI with certain medical conditions (N=277): arterial hypertension ; AHI30(82%), cor hypertonicum ; AHI30(19%), history of myocardial infarction ; AHI30(7%), history of stroke ; AHI30(6%). Conclusion: We have demonstrated a high prevalence OSA in respondents. We noted that arterial hypertension and cor hypertonicum were in correlation with the degree of OSA. History of myocardial infarction and stroke reach their peak in study group with AHI 15–30, although this conditions were much higher present in overall respondents with OSA compered to respondents without OSA. We have confirmed by increasing degree of OSA increases the percentage of specific cardiovascular outcomes.

Nursing education in the Republic of Croatia is conducted at the secondary and higher education levels (post-secondary and tertiary). Croatian nursing education is in line with the recommendations of European Directives 2005/36/EC [1] and 2013/55/EU [2]. High school (secondary level) education lasts for 5 years; after graduation, students are awarded the title “general care nurse” [3].