Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection And Resolve Research Articles

Effect of mental state on sleep quality in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A multiple mediation model of hope and family function.

The objective of this study was to investigate the current situation of sleep quality in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), and whether hope and family function play a mediating role between negative emotions and sleep quality. The Athens Insomnia Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Herth Hope Index and Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve (APGAR) Index were used to investigate 227 MHD patients. The correlations among study variables were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Structural equation model was used to construct and evaluate the mediation model. The sleep quality score of 227 patients receiving MHD was (7.57 ± 4.74), anxiety score was (4.36 ± 4.02), depression score was (5.91 ± 4.37), hope score was (34.64 ± 7.21), family function score was (6.21 ± 2.90). The negative emotions can directly predict sleep quality (β = 0.17, P = .046), positively predict sleep quality through hope (β = 0.12, P = .017), positively predict sleep quality through family function (β = 0.20, P < .001), and positively predict sleep quality through the chain mediating of hope and family function (β = 0.10, P < .001). The total effect size was 71.19%. It is concluded that negative emotions had a direct impact on the sleep quality of patients receiving MHD, and that improving the levels of family function and hope can help them sleep better.

P28: Early adverse events and loneliness among older people with depression

Object:Loneliness is experienced by many older people and associated with depressive symptoms. Childhood adverse events have been found to be a predictor of loneliness in young adults. We would like to investigate whether childhood traumatic events are associated with loneliness in older people with depression. We also explored what kinds of traumatic events are more related to loneliness and whether family support will modify the association of interest.Methods:Older adults (≧60 years) with history of major depressive disorder were enrolled from outpatient clinics. Participants cannot be diagnosed as dementia. They received a series of questionnaires, including cumulative illness rating scales, Hamilton depressive and anxiety rating scales (HDRS and HARS), Geriatric depression scale(GDS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire(CTQ), Chinese version of the family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection and resolve(APGAR), and Mini-mental status examination.Results:Fifty-four participants were enrolled. The average age was 68.8 years and female predominance (83.7%) with mean educational year of 10.4. Univariate analysis was performed first using LS score as dependent variable, and only those variables with p value less than 0.2 were put into multiple linear regression. In the multiple regression model, age, gender, education, GDS, HDAS were entered as covariates and CTQ was treated as independent variable. The results showed that CTQ score was positively associated with LS (ß=0.565, p&lt;0.001). The family support, presented as APGAR score, was not modified the results. In the explore analysis, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect also showed positively associated with loneliness in the participants; however, physical abuse and sexual abuse did not have the same findings.Conclusion:Childhood adverse events may be positively associated with loneliness in older people with depressive disorder after adjusting for confounders. We should pay more attention on the childhood traumatic events in these patients. In addition, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect rather than physical abuse and sexual abuse seemed to have more impact on the loneliness in these participants. However, some limitations, such as small sample size, recall bias of childhood events, difficulty of recall physical and sexual abuse, and other latent confounders, should be considered before making a final conclusion.

Social anxiety and internet addiction among adolescent students in a sub-Saharan African country: does family functioning make a difference?

Evidence has shown that social anxiety significantly influences internet addiction among adolescent students. However, the boundary conditions that strengthen or weaken this association with internet addiction have not been fully understood, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey design to investigate the direct effect of social anxiety on internet addiction among adolescent students and the moderating role of family functioning in such relationships. A sample of ( N = 1800) students (age range 11–17 years; M = 15.30 years; SD = 1.99) from 10 secondary schools in Southeast Nigeria participated in this study. The participants completed the self-report measures of the Social Phobia Inventory, Family APGAR (adaptability, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve) Index, and Internet Addiction Test. Pearson correlation was used to determine the bivariate relationship among the study variables, while Hayes regression-based PROCESS macro was used for moderation analysis. Findings revealed that social anxiety was positively associated with internet addiction. Family functioning was negatively associated with internet addiction. Family functioning did not moderate the relationship between social anxiety and internet addiction. We concluded that reducing social anxiety and bolstering family functioning may be an effective strategy to lessen the vulnerability of adolescents to internet addiction.

Comparison of Family Function and Mental Emotional Health of Adolescents in a State Junior High School, Modern and Traditional Boarding Schools

Background: Emotional and mental disorders can be experienced by all adolescents in both state junior high schools and in boarding schools. Students live with their parents and relatives at home in the state junior high schools. In contrast, in boarding schools, students must live independently, away from their parents, adapt to different boarding school environments, and are obliged to obey regulations. Objectives: To find out whether there are differences in family functions as well as emotional and mental disorders of adolescents in state junior high schools and modern and traditional boarding schools. Subjects: 433 adolescents aged 12-16 years were categorized into 191 adolescents in state junior high schools, 136 adolescents from modern boarding schools, and 106 adolescents from traditional boarding schools. This study used descriptive analytic designs with multivariate comparative approach methods. Instruments: Using the Family APGAR (Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve) and Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) questionnaires, the total difficulty score was a combination of hyperactivity score, emotional score, behavior score, and peer score. A power score was considered a pro-social (behavior that supports others) score. Results: Function measurement of adolescents’ families in state junior high schools and modern and traditional boarding schools showed a highly functional Family APGAR score, p=0.265 (p&gt;0.05). The adolescent SDQ score in state junior high schools was abnormal in the total score of difficulty and the hyperactivity score classification but borderline on peer score. The adolescent SDQ score in modern boarding schools showed abnormal results in a total difficulty and hyperactivity score, with a borderline peer score. SDQ scores of adolescents in traditional boarding schools were abnormal on the total score of difficulty and borderline on peer score. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in function between adolescents in the state junior high schools and modern and traditional boarding schools. However, there were significant differences between emotional and mental disorders of adolescents in state junior high schools and modern and traditional boarding schools. This mental health concern requires promoting and preventive efforts of a holistic family approach between adolescents, parents, teachers, and family doctors.

Non-Heterosexual Medical Students Are Critically Vulnerable to Mental Health Risks: The Need to Account for Sexual Diversity in Wellness Initiatives

Phenomenon: Mental health problems among medical students are a worrisome issue; recent studies have shown that one-third may be suffering major depressive disorder and one out of ten had suicidal ideation. Few studies have evaluated the association of medical students’ mental health and their sexual orientation. This study aimed to evaluate differences in mental health indicators among medical students with diverse sexual orientations at a South American medical school. Approach: This study is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data obtained through an electronic survey. The survey assessed demographics, academic variables, and several mental health scales and indexes, including: World Health Organization Well-being Index, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Family APGAR (Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve), Self-Reporting Questionnaire, Athens Insomnia Scale, Eating Attitudes Test, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Sexual orientation was assessed using self-identification and responses dichotomized as heterosexual and non-heterosexual. Findings: 554 students completed the survey (response rate: 70%). Mean age was 20.6 years, and the sample was 58.7% women. Eighty-two participants (14.8%) self-identified as non-heterosexual; this group comprised mostly males, fewer of whom lived with their family, and more of whom used loans or scholarships to pay university tuition fees. After adjustment for sex and tuition fee payment, non-heterosexual orientation was significantly associated (adjusted Odds Ratios [aOR] above 3.00) with rating mental health as bad, self-perceiving a need for mental health evaluation/treatment, and reporting last-year use of psychiatric medication. Lastly, non-heterosexual respondents reported more frequent psychiatric symptoms (depression/anxiety scores, suicidal ideation, eating disorder symptoms and substance use) with an aOR between 2.17 and 2.51. Insights: This study suggests that self-identified non-heterosexual medical students exhibit worse mental health outcomes evaluated through validated self-report scales and subjective perception of mental health status. This report specifically indicates that non-heterosexual medical students report family dysfunction more often and have less social support, which serve as additional risk factors. Future studies must assess social support, clarify the impact of family and peer support in mental health problems, and explore students’ views on their sexual identity and the burden imposed by experiences of discrimination.

Association between Family Functionality and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundDifferent scales have attempted to assess various aspects of family dynamics and structures. Good family function seems to allow for better prognoses for basic diseases and appears to be a predictor of depression. The aim of this study was to determine the association between family functionality and depression.MethodsThis is a systematic review and meta-analysis including cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies using validated instruments such as the Family APGAR (Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve) and Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III. A search strategy was designed for the MEDLINE, Embase, Central, and LILACS databases along with data saturation through a search of unpublished literature from the onset of the databases to the present. The categorical variables are expressed in terms of odds ratios (OR), and the statistical analysis was carried out using Review Manager ver. 5.31 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) using forest plots with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). A fixed-effect model was used according to the expected heterogeneity, expressed in terms of I2. The risk of bias was evaluated using the MINORS (methodological index for non-randomized studies) tool.ResultsA total of 1,519 studies were found, of which 10 were selected for the qualitative synthesis and four were chosen for the meta-analysis. The result for the association between family dysfunction and depression yielded an OR (95% CI) of 3.72 (2.70 to 5.12) and I2 of 24%.ConclusionFamily dysfunction and depression are strongly associated.

Assessment of Family Functioning and Eating Disorders - The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem.

The aim of the study was to measure whether people at increased risk for eating disorders (EDs) and people without an increased risk of EDs differ from each other in the assessment of family functioning (FF) and self-esteem (SE) dimensions. Moreover, the correlations between FF, EDs, and SE were verified, looking for the mediating role of SE in the context of the FF and EDs. The research was conducted on the group of 160 people aged from 18 to 47 years, including 74 people at increased risk for EDs. We used: The Family APGAR (Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve); The SCOFF Questionnaire; The Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory, MSEI. Analyses indicate that the compared groups differ significantly in terms of EDs, assessment of FF, and all components of SE, in such a way that people without an increased risk of EDs are characterized by a more positive assessment of FF and higher SE in all its dimensions. All SE dimensions, except defensive high SE, are mediators in the relationship of FF with EDs. In therapeutic interactions, it is worth focusing on the SE dimensions, as they are one of the mediation elements in the relationship between the assessment of FF and EDs.

How much gloom is in groans? Depression and its determinants in Nigerian patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

To determine the prevalence of depression and its determinants among Nigerian patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Two hundred and fifty patients satisfying the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for knee OA were recruited from five centers. Pain was assessed using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC) pain subscale, functional status was determined by Steinbrokers criteria, radiographic knee OA was graded using Kellgren-Lawrence criteria, depression was determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), sleep quality by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and family functioning by Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve). Factors associated with depression in KOA following bivariate analyses were adopted as independent variables in logistic regression analysis to determine the predictors of depression in KOA. The study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of each of the study centers. The mean age of patients was 59.90 ± 10.62years and 209 (83.6%) were females. Their mean PHQ-9 score was 4.68 ± 4.19 with 105 (42%) having depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 5). Eighty-four (80%) of patients with depression had poor sleep quality (PSQI≥5.0). Depression was significantly associated with poor sleep, WOMAC pain scores, medial compartment KOA, lateral compartment KOA, and patellofemoral OA. Poor sleep quality was the best predictor of depression (OR 4.555, CI (2.241-9.257), p < 0.001) followed by moderate to severe pain (OR 2.490, CI (1.119-5.542), p < 0.025). Depression is common among patients with knee OA, and depression can be predicted by poor sleep quality and moderate to severe pain.

Sexual dysfunction among women in a Nigerian gynecological outpatients unit

Background: Sexual dysfunction is an important public-health problem, which is often less reported or explored through opportunistic evaluation during medical consultations. Objective: This study was designed to determine the prevalence and patterns of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) including the sexual quality of life among female patients attending a gynecological outpatients unit in Southwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 146 consenting women who attended the gynecological outpatients' clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, during the study period. Participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. The survey instruments were previously validated questionnaires such as Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ28), Sexual Quality of Life-Female Questionnaire (SQOL-F), and the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve (APGAR) score. The results were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17 and P value was set at 5%. Results: The mean age was 33.8 ± 5.7 years. Most (85.6%) respondents had at least one form of sexual dysfunction. The commonest dysfunction was arousal-sensation (62.4%) while the least was pain (3.4%). The mean SFQ28 and SQOL-F scores were 58.0 ± 12.57 and 28.0 ± 11.94, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the SFQ28 and SQOL-F scores across sociodemographic factors. Women classified as belonging to dysfunctional family on Family APGAR score similarly had poorer scores for sexual dysfunction (100%, P = 0.016). Conclusion: FSD is common among women attending gynecological outpatients clinic. Managing clinicians should be aware of this condition and proffer appropriate care in addition to the main presenting complaint.

Effects of family function on depression, activities of daily living, happiness index and quality of life among elderly hypertension patients

Objective To explore the effects of family function on depression, activities of daily living, happiness index and quality of life among elderly hypertension patients. Methods From October 2015 to October 2017, we selected 80 elderly hypertension patients of Cardiovascular Department in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University by convenient sampling. All of the patients were divided into group of good family function and group of family dysfunction according to the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve (APGAR) . The scores were compared with the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) , Activities of Daily Living (ADL) , Index of Well-Being Scale and 36-item Short form Health Survey (SF-36) . SPSS 21.0 was used to statistical analysis. Results There were 47 (58.75%) patients in group of good family function and 33 (41.25%) patients in group of family dysfunction. The adaptation, intimacy, affection, growth and partnership of patients in group of good family function and the total score were superior to those in group of family dysfunction with statistical differences (P<0.01) . The scores of SDS and ADL of patients in group of good family function were lower than those in group of family dysfunction; the happiness index of group of good family function was higher than that of group of family dysfunction with a statistical difference (P<0.01) . The dimension scores of life quality of patients in group of good family function were higher than those of group of family dysfunction with statistical differences (P<0.01) . Conclusions We should pay attention to the family function of elderly hypertension patients, improve patients' happiness index, depression and ADL, so as to promote rehabilitation of hypertension patients. Key words: Hypertension; Family function; Happiness index; Social function

Mental health status and its influencing factors among patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Objective To explore the mental health status among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and analyze its influencing factors so as to provide a reference for improving the quality of life among these patients. Methods A total of 160 outpatients and inpatients with IBD in the Department of Gastroenterology at Wuxi Second People's Hospital were selected by convenience sampling from June 2015 to February 2017. They were investigated with the self-designed general information questionnaire, symptom checklist (SCL-90) , social support scale (SSRS) , adaptation, partnership, growth, affection and resolve (APGAR) . Results The positive detection rate of mental health among patients with IBD was 25.6%. The total score of SCL-90 (144.81±46.01) was significantly higher than the national norm of 2006 (P<0.05) . Compared with the national norm of 2006, the scores of factors in somatization, depression, anxiety were higher with significant differences (P<0.05) . There were statistically significant differences in mental health levels among different ages, monthly income, duration and severity of disease, social support, family function and negative life events (P<0.05) . Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that the major influencing factors of mental health among patients with IBD were the duration of disease, social support, family function and negative life events interpreting 28.1% of the total variance on mental health status among patients. Conclusions The mental health status among patients with IBD is poor. The duration of disease, social support, family function and negative life events are the major influencing factors of mental health status of patients. Nurses should carry out correspondingly mental nursing intervention in time to improve the quality of life of patients. Key words: Psychology; Inflammatory bowel disease; Influencing factors

The effects of family structure and function on mental health during China\u2019s transition: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundSocial change, intensified by industrialization and globalization, has not only changed people’s work lives but also their personal lives, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to provide evidence and recommendations regarding family structure, function, and mental health to actively respond to rapid social change.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted face-to-face and door-to-door from July 2011 to September 2012 in Hubei Province, central China. Family structure comprised alone, couple, nuclear family, and extended family; family function was measured using the family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve) scale, and mental health was measured using the Chinese version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).ResultsThe urban-vs-rural difference of family structure among alone, couple, nuclear family, and extended family was statistically significant (5.21% vs 4.62%; 27.36% vs 13.14%; 33.22% vs 27.74%; 34.20% vs 54.50%, respectively; p < 0.0001); and those difference of family function was not statistically significant (8.11 ± 2.13 vs 8.09 ± 2.27, p = 0.9372). The general linear regression showed that the effect of family structure on mental health, whether urban or rural, was not significant, however, the effect of family function was significant, especially regarding better family functioning with better mental health.ConclusionsCombined the effects of family structure and function on mental health, the external form of family (family structure) may not be important; while the internal quality of role (family function) might be key. Improving the residents’ family function would be a priority strategy for family practice with their mental health.

The influence of family characteristics on glycaemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the general outpatient clinic, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria

Background: There is an increasing epidemic of diabetes worldwide with many patients not achieving set treatment targets. Family interventions in diabetes patient management, a proven adjunct, have not been fully integrated to patient care.Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Department of Family Medicine, National Hospital, Abuja. A total of 156 adult patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited between August and October 2012 with 145 (93%) completing the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used to enter and analyse the data.Results: A total of 145 subjects (81 females, 64 males) were studied. Assessment of the relationship between the family characteristics and glycaemic control was significant for family functional status by APGAR (Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve), which represents the questionnaire categories and social support by the Modified Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), p-value 0.000.Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between family function and social support and glycaemic control among type 2 diabetic patients attending the general outpatient clinic in the National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.

The influence of family characteristics on glycaemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the general outpatient clinic, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria

Background: There is an increasing epidemic of diabetes worldwide with many patients not achieving set treatment targets. Family interventions in diabetes patient management, a proven adjunct, have not been fully integrated to patient care.Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Department of Family Medicine, National Hospital, Abuja. A total of 156 adult patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited between August and October 2012 with 145 (93%) completing the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used to enter and analyse the data.Results: A total of 145 subjects (81 females, 64 males) were studied. Assessment of the relationship between the family characteristics and glycaemic control was significant for family functional status by APGAR (Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve), which represents the questionnaire categories and social support by the Modified Scale for Perceived Social Support (M...

Religiousness and health-related quality of life of older adults

OBJECTIVETo examine whether religiousness mediates the relationship between sociodemographic factors, multimorbidity and health-related quality of life of older adults.METHODSThis population-based cross-sectional study is part of the Survey on Health, Well-Being, and Aging (SABE). The sample was composed by 911 older adults from Sao Paulo, SP, Southeastern Brazil. Structural equation modeling was performed to assess the mediator effect of religiousness on the relationship between selected variables and health-related quality of life of older adults, with models for men and women. The independent variables were: age, education, family functioning and multimorbidity. The outcome variable was health-related quality of life of older adults, measured by SF-12 (physical and mental components). The mediator variables were organizational, non-organizational and intrinsic religiousness. Cronbach’s alpha values were: physical component = 0.85; mental component = 0.80; intrinsic religiousness = 0.89 and family APGAR (Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve) = 0.91.RESULTSHigher levels of organizational and intrinsic religiousness were associated with better physical and mental components. Higher education, better family functioning and fewer diseases contributed directly to improved performance in physical and mental components, regardless of religiousness. For women, organizational religiousness mediated the relationship between age and physical (β = 2.401, p < 0.01) and mental (β = 1.663, p < 0.01) components. For men, intrinsic religiousness mediated the relationship between education and mental component (β = 7.158, p < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSOrganizational and intrinsic religiousness had a beneficial effect on the relationship between age, education and health-related quality of life of these older adults.

Religiousness and health-related quality of life of older adults

To examine whether religiousness mediates the relationship between sociodemographic factors, multimorbidity and health-related quality of life of older adults. This population-based cross-sectional study is part of the Survey on Health, Well-Being, and Aging (SABE). The sample was composed by 911 older adults from Sao Paulo, SP, Southeastern Brazil. Structural equation modeling was performed to assess the mediator effect of religiousness on the relationship between selected variables and health-related quality of life of older adults, with models for men and women. The independent variables were: age, education, family functioning and multimorbidity. The outcome variable was health-related quality of life of older adults, measured by SF-12 (physical and mental components). The mediator variables were organizational, non-organizational and intrinsic religiousness. Cronbach's alpha values were: physical component = 0.85; mental component = 0.80; intrinsic religiousness = 0.89 and family APGAR (Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve) = 0.91. Higher levels of organizational and intrinsic religiousness were associated with better physical and mental components. Higher education, better family functioning and fewer diseases contributed directly to improved performance in physical and mental components, regardless of religiousness. For women, organizational religiousness mediated the relationship between age and physical (β = 2.401, p < 0.01) and mental (β = 1.663, p < 0.01) components. For men, intrinsic religiousness mediated the relationship between education and mental component (β = 7.158, p < 0.01). Organizational and intrinsic religiousness had a beneficial effect on the relationship between age, education and health-related quality of life of these older adults.

Effects of marital status and shift work on family function among registered nurses.

This study aims to assess the interactive effect of marital status and shift work on family function. A population-based sample of 1,438 nurses between the ages of 20–45 yr was recruited from Taiwan during the period from July 2005 to April 2006 using a mailed questionnaire. The self-administered questionnaire contained information about demographic data, work status, shift work schedule, and the Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve) Scale, to evaluate family function. Compared to day shift nurses, non-night and rotation shift nurses had 1.53- and 1.38-fold (95% CI=1.09–2.14 and 1.01–1.88) risk to have poor family function after adjusting for other covariates. Married nurses, by contrast, had a 0.44-fold (95% CI=0.29–0.66) risk to have poor family function compared to single nurses. In addition, married nurses who worked non-night or rotation shifts had a significantly higher percent of poor family function than those married nurses working day shifts; however, similar results were not replicated in single nurses. We concluded that shift work and marital status could influence family function.

Assessment of Family Functionality Among the Elderly With Chronic Illness

The family APGAR scale was developed by Smilkstein, Ashworth, and Montano (1982). The satisfaction assessment of the elderly with chronic illness regarding family is essential. This study aims to describe the socio-demographic and clinical profile of elderly people with chronic illness and correlate with perceived family support. This is a cross-sectional, analytical study of 294 elderly people (51.4% female), patients at the Health Centre in the district of Viseu - Portugal, diagnosed with chronic illness (77.9% cardiovascular); Mean age was 72.22 ± 6.13, 70.7% were married and 52% had 4 years of schooling; Data was gathered using a questionnaire and the Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve). In relation to family functionality, 18.7% perceive families as highly functional, 26.9% mildly dysfunctional and 54.4% severely dysfunction. There is a statistically significant relationship between the family APGAR and the presence of chronic illness ( p < 0.001). We found no statistical significance between the family APGAR and gender ( p = 0.26), age ( p = 0.26), marital status ( p = 0.32) and educational level ( p = 0.28). Economic, political and social changes in our society has an impact on the family and the support they provide which is manifested among vulnerable groups, as is the case of an elderly person with chronic illness. Thus, we propose specialised psychological support for this age group which is more vulnerable and without the needed support from within the family.

Relationship between Family Meals and Depressive Symptoms in Children

BackgroundRecently, importance of family meals has been emphasized at home and abroad, and several journals reported that family meals had a big impact on children's development. In this paper, we would like to report the relationship between family meals and depressive symptoms in children.MethodsThis study was based on questionnaires distributed to 162 5th and 6th graders of one elementary school in the area of Daegu, Korea, in July, 2010. The questionnaire was about general characteristics, family characteristics, and quantity/quality of family meals. Family functions and depressive symptoms in children were evaluated with Smilkstein's family APGAR (adaptability, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve) score (FAS) and Kovac's Children's Depression Inventory (CDI).ResultsIn one-way analyses of variance, there was no significant difference in FAS and CDI according to general and family characteristics (P > 0.05). CDI was significantly lower in the group having more frequent family meals (P < 0.05). Higher FAS and lower CDI was seen in the group having more conversation and better atmosphere during meals (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in FAS and CDI according to the number of participants, duration, and watching television during meals (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe frequency of family meals, having more conversation and better atmosphere during family meals predicted less depressive symptoms in children.

Correlation between FamilyAPGARscores and health‐related quality of life of Filipino elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis

This study aims to describe the clinical profile of Filipino patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and correlate their health-related quality of life (HrQoL) with perceived family support. This is a cross-sectional, analytical study of patients seen at the Philippine General Hospital Arthritis Clinic diagnosed with knee OA using the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Questionnaires for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) v.3.1 and Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve) were self-administered. Pearson's correlation, analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests were applied. Ninety patients with 3 : 1 female-to-male ratio, mean age of 70.14 years qualified for the study. Mean body mass index was 23.3. Mean duration of symptoms was 5.9 years. Fifty-three considered their family to be highly functional, 28 moderately dysfunctional and nine severely dysfunctional. Analysis showed that Family APGAR is moderately and inversely correlated with pain (r = -0.3373; P = 0.0002), stiffness (r = -0.3642; P = 0.0004), function (r = -0.3646; P = 0.0004) and total WOMAC scores (r = -0.3880; P = 0.0002). Likewise, there were significant differences of total WOMAC scores in the pain, stiffness and function subscales (P = 0.0076, P = 0.0032, P = 0.0165 and P = 0.0159, respectively) between patients in highly functional and severely dysfunctional families, and between highly and moderately functional families. As Family APGAR scores increased, there was significant decrease in all WOMAC subscales. We described the clinical profile of 90 elderly patients with knee OA and the relationship of HrQoL to Family APGAR scores. This paper concludes that higher Family APGAR scores in this population correlated with better HrQoL.