Social-medical aspects of cystic fibrosis in Norway. I. Characterization of the material.

The families of 90 children with cystic fibrosis and the families of 1977 control children have answered extensive questionnaires, which are the basis for this study. In the first part of the study the two groups are compared for some important factors, to detect differences that would make further analysis of the material questionable. The two groups were commensurable concerning their economic situation, standard of housing, ages of children, and the family situation in general. The educational level of the parents in the two groups did differ, the parents of children with cystic fibrosis having less education. The parents of children with cystic fibrosis were more dissatisfied with their situation than those in the control group. These differences are probably a result of having cystic fibrosis in the family; consequently, it is concluded that the two groups can well be compared.