Adaptation and Quality of Life Among Adults With Neurofibromatosis Type I

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study aims to understand predictors of adaptation and quality of life among adults affected with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and autosomal dominant neurocutaneous condition. NF1 carries a significant psychosocial burden for affected individuals. Aspects of NF1 that are especially challenging include the unpredictable nature of the disease, variability in severity of symptoms and medical complications, uncertainty in progression, and vulnerability to stigmatization due to the highly visible and often cosmetically disfiguring features of the condition. The literature suggests that because of these and other challenges posed by NF1, affected individuals may struggle to adapt to their condition and, consequently, experience poor quality of life. In this study, Lazarus and Folkman s Tranactional Model of Stress and Coping is used as a framework to conceptualize adaptation and quality of life to NF1. A cross-sectional design with quantitative methodology will be employed to investigate the relationships of appraisals and stigma as predictors of adaptation and quality of life. Adults affected with NF1 will be recruited via regional and national NF organizations and websites, as well as through ongoing NIH clinical research protocols for NF1. Eligible participants will be invited to complete a web-based, self-administered survey....

Detailed Description
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This study aims to understand predictors of adaptation and quality of life among adults affected with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and autosomal dominant neurocutaneous condition. NF1 carries a significant psychosocial burden for affected individuals. Aspects of NF1 that are especially challenging include the unpredictable nature of the disease, variability in severity of symptoms and medical complications, uncertainty in progression, and vulnerability to stigmatization due to the highly visible and often cosmetically disfiguring features of the condition. The literature suggests that because of these and other challenges posed by NF1, affected individuals may struggle to adapt to their condition and, consequently, experience poor quality of life. In this study, Lazarus and Folkman s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping is used as a framework to conceptualize adaptation and quality of life to NF1. A cross-sectional design with quantitative methodology will be employed to investigate the relationships of appraisals and stigma as predictors of adaptation and quality of life. Adults affected with NF1 will be recruited via regional and national NF organizations and websites, as well as through ongoing NIH clinical research protocols for NF1. Eligible participants will be invited to complete a web-based, self-administered survey.

Official Title
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Adaptation and Quality of Life Among Adults With Neurofibromatosis Type I

Conditions
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Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Von Recklinghausen Disease, NF1

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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INCLUSION CRITERIA: Adult men and women at least 18 years of age who self-report as having NF1. Participants must be able to read and write in English. Individuals of all ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds and from a variety of geographic locations in the United States will be included. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Children under the age of 18. Inability to read and write in English.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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NF1, Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Quality of Life, Adaptation, Stress and Coping Model, Survey