Controlled Evaluation of the STARBRIGHT CD-ROM Program for Children and Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the STARBRIGHT Fitting Cystic Fibrosis Into Your Life Everyday CD-ROM. Data were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program as an educational tool for children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods Forty-seven children and adolescents with CF between the ages of 7 and 17 years were enrolled in the study. Participants completed an initial evaluation of CF-related knowledge and coping skills and were then randomly assigned to one of two groups: the treatment group or the wait-list control group. Participants then viewed the CD-ROM, and researchers completed posttest measures. Results Analyses indicated that both disease-related knowledge and coping strategies generated by children and adolescents with CF improved as a result of the intervention and that this effect was replicated in the wait-list group. Conclusions In sum, the results of the current study indicate that the STARBRIGHT CD-ROM program is a promising intervention for increasing CF-related knowledge and the competence of children's and adolescents' coping strategies. These positive results are enhanced by the brief, inexpensive, and portable nature of this educational program.