Cognitive profile and behavioral problems in cohort of Egyptian children with cystic fibrosis: a single-center study

Abstract Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a debilitating and time-consuming disease that can interfere with or impair typical daily life activities and social interactions . This study aims to identify and evaluate behavioral problems and cognitive dysfunction in children with CF. Methods and procedures This study was carried out on a cohort of 40 children diagnosed with CF. Patients were assessed using a child behavior checklist (CBCL) and intelligence quotient (IQ) photograph test. The obtained results were compared with 40 matched controls. Results The male population accounted for 62.5% of the patients included in the study. Patients with CF exhibited elevated somatic, anxious and aggressive behaviors relative to the control group with p value s < 0.012, < 0.025, < 0.027 respectively. In addition; there was a statistically significant positive correlation between somatic problems with both age of the patients and disease duration ( r value for age = 0.368; r value for duration = 0.468). Furthermore; there was positive correlation between anxious behavior with age of patients and disease duration ( r value for age = 0.358; r value for duration = 0.351). Otherwise, patients had comparable IQs (median of 107.5) with those of the control group (median of 105) with p value = 0.544. Conclusion Our findings indicate that CF has a substantial negative impact on the behavior of affected patients. However, it did not have an impact on the individual’s level of intelligence. There is evidence indicating a connection between patients’ age and disease duration with behavioral problems.