Family Function Of Patients Research Articles

Post-stroke fatigue and its correlation with family functioning in patients who have experienced a first episode of stroke

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyse the relevant factors that may affect post-stroke fatigue (PSF) in patients with stroke and further explore the correlation between family functioning and PSF.MethodsPatients who had experienced a first episode of stroke and were admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were rigorously screened. The general data and family functioning of the patients on admission were collected, and their family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection and resolve scores and their PSF on the 5th day of admission were collected using the fatigue severity scale (FSS). Multiple linear regression analysis was then utilized to explore the factors affecting PSF in patients with stroke.ResultsA total of 220 questionnaires were distributed, and 220 were returned, with 212 valid questionnaires and a valid return rate of 96.4%. These 212 patients had a family functioning score of 6.58 ± 2.00 and an FSS score of 36.62 ± 10.96. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed negative correlations between the FSS scores and the adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, resolve and family functioning scores (r = −0.380, −0.505, −0.470, −0.303, −0.281 and −0.712, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed that family functioning (β′ = −0.516), marital status (β′ = −0.244), household income (β′ = −0.185), literacy (β′ = −0.181) and activities of daily living (β′ = −0.084) were influential factors for PSF in patients with stroke (p < 0.05).ConclusionThere is a significant negative correlation between family functioning and PSF, suggesting that better family functioning may help mitigate the severity of post-stroke fatigue. Healthcare providers should identify interventions to help patients and families address fatigue, boost disease recovery, promote patients’ physical and mental health and improve their quality of life.

Fear of disease progression, self-management efficacy, and family functioning in patients with breast cancer: a cross-sectional relationship study.

Fear of disease progression (FoP) has been identified as one of the most prevalent unmet needs among breast cancer patients in recent years. The aim of this study was to examine FoP in patients with breast cancer and explore its associations with demographic and clinical characteristics, self-management efficacy, and family functioning. We also aimed to create a clinically-relevant prediction model based off of these factors (i.e., a "nomogram") to help identify patients' probability of experiencing high FoP. A cross-sectional survey of breast cancer in patients at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University was conducted from June 2023 to February 2024. The study included the Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Questionnaire, the Fear of Disease Progression Scale (FoP-Q-SF), the Chinese Self-Management Efficacy Scale for Cancer Patients (C-SUPPH), and the Family Care Index Questionnaire (APGAR). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed based on multiple regression results and the model performance was evaluated. A total of 151 breast cancer patients were enrolled in the study. The mean (standard deviation) FoP score of the patients was 35.87 ± 9.24. The average score of C-SUPPH was 96.97 ± 17.29, and the average score of APGAR was 6.74 ± 2.98. Pearson correlation analysis showed that FoP was negatively correlated with self-management efficacy (r = -0.544, p < 0.01) and family functioning (r = -0.730, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that age (B = -4.038), self-management efficacy (B = -0.085) and family functioning (B = -1.972) were significantly related to FoP, and together explained 36% of FoP variation (R 2 = 0.360, F = 20.50, p < 0.001). The nomogram of these variables showed satisfactory prediction performance [the Bootstrap Correction Consistency Index (C-index) = 0.872]. According to previous studies, a C-index of >0.70 indicates that the model is acceptable. We found that greater fear of cancer progression (FoP) was associated with younger age, lower self-management efficacy and poorer family functioning in breast cancer patients. Based on these variables, our exploratory prediction model should be further investigated in order to help identify breast cancer patients who may be at highest risk of experiencing high FoP.

Correlation Between Family Functioning and Health Beliefs in Patients with Stroke in Beijing, China.

To explore the relationship between family functioning and health beliefs in patients with stroke. A total of 253 patients with stroke were selected from Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University from May 2021 to November 2021. All patients were of Chinese nationality, and 240 valid questionnaires were obtained. The Family Assessment Device and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale were used to collect patients' family functioning and health beliefs information, and correlation analysis was used to analyse it. The total score for family functioning in patients with stroke was 130.5 (22). The highest mean score was 2.46 for behaviour control, and the lowest score was 2.00 for total function. The items were ranked from high to low in this order: behaviour control, emotional response, role, communication, emotional intervention, problem solving and total function. The total score of the patients' health beliefs was 116 (33), The items were ranked from high to low in this order: were self-efficacy, health motivation, perceived benefit, susceptibility, severity and perceived impairment. The scores for family functioning were negatively correlated with the total scores for health beliefs (P < 0.05). Stroke can reduce the self-care ability of the patients and aggravate the burden of family care. This can lead to abnormal function roles for patients and their families, emotional reactions in patients with stroke and weaker levels of family functioning. The health beliefs scores of patients with stroke were at the middle level, and family functioning was at the general level. There was a negative correlation between the family functioning score and the total score for health beliefs in patients with stroke.

The effect of Chinese culture-adapted dignity therapy on advanced cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in the day oncology unit: A quasi-experimental study

To examine the effects of Chinese culture-adapted dignity therapy on dignity-related and psychological, spiritual distress and family function for advanced cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in the day oncology unit. This is a quasi-experimental study. Patients were recruited from a day oncology unit at a tertiary cancer hospital in Northern China. A total of 39 patients agreeing to participate were assigned to receive Chinese culture-adapted dignity therapy (intervention group, n=21) or supportive interview (control group, n=18) according to their admission time. Patients' dignity-related, psychological, spiritual distress, and family function were assessed at baseline (T0) and after completing the intervention (T1) and the scores were compared between and within the groups. Besides, the interviews were conducted with patients at T1 to obtain their feedback, which were analyzed and integrated with the quantitative results. There was no statistical significance in all outcomes at T1 between the two groups, as well as in most outcomes between T0 and T1 in the intervention groups except for the relieved dignity-related distress (P=0.017), especially the physical distress (P=0.026), and the improved family function (P=0.005), especially the family adaptability (P=0.006). The synthesized quantitative and qualitative results showed that the intervention could relieve physical and psychological distress, enhance the sense of dignity, and improve the spiritual well-being and family function of patients. The Chinese culture-adapted dignity therapy showed positive effects on the life experiences of patients receiving chemotherapy in the day oncology unit and their family, and it might be a suitable, indirect communication prompt for Chinese families.

Retracted: The Effect of Pilates Exercise Nursing Combined with Communication Standard-Reaching Theory Nursing and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Bladder Function and Family Function of Patients after Cervical Cancer Surgery.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/6444462.].

Do Siblings have a Different Influence on Self-Assessed Family Functioning in Patients with Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa?

The impact of family factors, particularly the sibling status, on the development and course of eating disorders has been rarely investigated.Therefore, the aimof the present study was to assess a putative association between sibling status and self-rated family dysfunctionality in a large sample of study participants with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. A total cohort of n = 568 outpatients aged twelve years and older, of whomhalf had the diagnosis of anorexia (n = 288, 50.7 %), was assessed for self-rated family dysfunctionality using the well-validated German General Family Questionnaire (FB-A), while the symptom level (Global Severity Index) was determined using the SCL-90-Rsymptomchecklist. Patientswith anorexiaweremore frequently only children compared to the bulimia group who had generallymore siblings (22.6%vs. 14.4%, p = 0.012). In patients with bulimia nervosa, bivariate analyses revealed a significant positive association between the presence of siblings and the degree of family dysfunctionality (only child: 33.6 ± 17.6, sibling child: 39.3 ± 15.5, p = 0.043). Linear regressionmodels adjusted for age, body-mass index, parents living in separation, and the Global Severity Index (GSI) confirmed a significant association between higher family dysfunctionality as a dependent variable and sibling status (beta = 0.163, 95%confidence interval [CI] = 1.431; 12.774, p = 0.014).No such relationship was found in the anorexia group (p = 0.418).The differential associations between sibling status and self-rated family dysfunctionality found for the two eating-disorder entities may indicate differences in the pathogenesis of anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

The Effect of Pilates Exercise Nursing Combined with Communication Standard-Reaching Theory Nursing and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Bladder Function and Family Function of Patients after Cervical Cancer Surgery.

Objective To explore the effect of Pilates exercise nursing combined with nursing based on the theory of communication compliance and pelvic floor muscle training on bladder function and family function of patients after cervical cancer surgery. Methods The medical records of 96 postoperative cervical cancer patients treated in our hospital from November 2019 to May 2021 were selected as retrospective research objects and were divided into observation group and control group with 48 cases each according to the digital table method. The control group received nursing care based on the theory of communication compliance and pelvic floor muscle training, and the observation group received Pilates exercise therapy nursing on the basis of the control group. The differences in urinary retention, family intimacy and adaptability, bladder function, and family function evaluation scores were compared between the two groups. Results After nursing, the residual urine volume, urination time, and urination interval of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, while the self-resolving urination rate and urination volume of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Before nursing, the family intimacy and adaptability scores of the two groups of patients were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). After nursing, the family intimacy score, family adaptability score, and sexual function score of the observation group were significantly higher than the control group; the comparison was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After nursing, the bladder function recovery of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Before nursing, the comparison of family function evaluation between the two groups of patients was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). After nursing, the observation group's problem solving, communication, role, emotional response, emotional intervention, behavior control, and total functional scores were lower than those of the control group, which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Carrying out nursing care based on the theory of communication compliance with Pilates exercise therapy for patients after cervical cancer surgery has a good nursing effect improves the patient's family intimacy and adaptability and patient's urinary retention and bladder function. Moreover, Pilates exercise nursing is a postoperative treatment for cervical cancer which provides a certain reference for clinical care of patients.

Family Functioning and Multiple Sclerosis: Study Protocol of a Multicentric Italian Project.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease, which not only affects physical functioning, but is also associated with cognitive impairments and great psychological distress. The combination of those symptoms may have negative consequences on the family functioning of patients with MS, with detrimental effects on both marital relationships and parental bonding. Furthermore, the presence of individual characteristics and of an adequate social support may also contribute to the quality and endurance of family relationships. Particularly, high levels of alexithymia, a personality trait that affects the recognition of a person's own emotions, have been associated with reduced interpersonal communication skills and enhanced anxiety/depressive symptoms. Therefore, the main aim of the present study is to provide an in-depth evaluation of family functioning and related factors in patients with MS and their families. In order to reach this goal, the perceived quality of family functioning, dyadic relationships, and parental bonding will be first investigated. Secondly, the possible associations between the quality of family relationships and the presence of alexithymia, psychological distress, and perceived social support will be examined. Patients with MS and their families who will consent to take part in the study will be asked to provide sociodemographic and clinical information, and to complete a series of questionnaires, presented and uploaded on an online dedicated platform. The final sample will be made up of 300 families, consecutively recruited from the Italian medical centers involved in the project. The results of the present study will shed light on the family functioning of patients with MS, through a comprehensive assessment of the main factors that are associated with family dynamics. A holistic evaluation of those aspects can help clinicians and researchers understand family dynamics in MS population better.

Effects of family participatory dignity therapy on the psychological well-being and family function of patients with haematologic malignancies and their family caregivers: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundStrong family ties appear to buffer patient's and family members’ difficult experiences during life and health crises. The family participatory dignity therapy programme, a patient-family-centred psychological intervention, was developed based on dignity therapy and performed by one therapist in the form of interview according to a specific question prompt. ObjectivesThis study aimed to confirm the efficacy of the family participatory dignity therapy programme in improving the psychological well-being and family cohesion and adaptability of patients with haematologic malignancies and their family caregivers. DesignA single-blinded, two-arm parallel group, randomised controlled trial was conducted. Setting(s)and Participants: Participants were patient-family caregiver dyads recruited from Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from March to September 2019. MethodsA total of 68 eligible dyads agreed to participate and were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 33) or control group receiving usual care (n = 35). Each pair of patient-family dyads in the intervention group received two or three interviews (each interview approximately lasting 45 to 60 min) performed by one therapist according to a specific question prompt containing 10 questions for patients and 10 corresponding questions for their family caregivers. To evaluate the effects of the intervention, we assessed patients’ hope, spiritual well-being, and family cohesion and adaptability, as well as their family caregivers’ depression, anxiety, and family cohesion and adaptability at baseline (T0), 1 week (T1), 4 weeks (T2), and 8 weeks post-intervention (T3) and compared the scores between the groups. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to examine the effects of time, group, and their interaction. ResultsFor patients, there was a significant difference in hope (p = 0.001), spiritual well-being (p = 0.002), and family cohesion (p<0.001) and adaptability (p<0.001) between the intervention and control groups. The difference over time was also significant in family cohesion (p = 0.018) and adaptability (p = 0.003). The interaction effects were significant for hope (p = 0.034), spiritual well-being (p<0.001), and family cohesion (p<0.001) and adaptability (p<0.001). For family caregivers, there was a significant difference in anxiety (p = 0.037), depression (p = 0.001), and family adaptability (p = 0.036) between the intervention and control groups. Within groups, a significant difference in family adaptability (p = 0.012) was found. Moreover, the interaction effects were significant on anxiety (p = 0.001) and family cohesion (p = 0.038). ConclusionsThe family participatory dignity therapy programme showed a positive effect on promoting patients’ hope, spiritual well-being, and family cohesion and adaptability; amongst family caregivers, it decreased anxiety and depression, and enhanced family cohesion and adaptability.Registration number: ChiCTR1900021433Tweetable abstract: The family participatory dignity therapy programme promoted patients’ hope, spiritual well-being, and family cohesion and adaptability, decreased their family caregivers’ anxiety and depression, and enhanced the caregivers’ family cohesion and adaptability.

Factors associated with family functioning in patients with heart failure and their family members: An international cross-sectional study.

To describe and compare family functioning, family health, and perceived social support from nurses and to identify the variables that are associated with family functioning in patients with heart failure (HF) and their family members in Denmark, Iran, and Iceland. An international multi-centre cross-sectional study. A sample of 1382 participants (692 patients and 690 family members) from Denmark, Iceland, and Iran were included from January 2015 to May 2020. Data were collected using the Family Functioning, Health, and Social Support questionnaire. The significant factors associated with family functioning in patients were country, New York Heart Association classification (NYHA), education level, age, family health, social support, and there was a significant interaction effect between NYHA class and gender. The significant factors associated with family functioning in family members were country, education level, work status, family health, and there was a significant interaction effect between education and work status. This study indicated that the strongest factor associated with higher family functioning was family health for both patients and family members. Women in NYHA class I and younger patients and those with an academic education had a lower level of family functioning. Moreover, unemployed family members with an elementary education and family members with elementary and high school educations who were self-employed or employees had a lower level of family functioning. This is the first international study to investigate family functioning, family health, and social support and adds to the literature on the factors associated with family functioning in patients with HF and their family members. Our findings may help nurses to identify the most vulnerable families living with HF, thereby being able to provide special support to enhance their family functioning to promote self-management strategies.

Mental Health and Family Functioning in Patients and Their Family Members after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the family as a whole. This study aimed to describe and compare mental health and family functioning in TBI patients and their family members, and to identify individual and family-related factors that were associated with mental health. It was conducted at an urban, specialized, TBI outpatient clinic and included 61 patients with mild to severe TBI and 63 family members. Baseline demographics and injury-related data were collected, and the participants answered standardized, self-reported questionnaires 6–18 months post-injury that assessed mental health; general health; family functioning, communication, and satisfaction; depression and anxiety; self-efficacy; resilience; and condition-specific quality of life. The patients reported significantly worse mental health, depression, resilience, self-efficacy, and general health compared with the family members. Patients and family members had similar perceptions, showing balanced family functioning, high family communication levels, and moderate family satisfaction. Factors significantly associated with mental health in patients and family members were depression, anxiety, and resilience, explaining 56% of the variance (p < 0.001). Family-related factors were not associated with mental health. The disease burden was mainly on the patients; however, the family members also reported emotional distress. Family-targeted interventions across the TBI continuum should be considered.

Effect of Family Therapy on Efficacy and Family Function of Patients with Schizophrenia

Effect of Family Therapy on Efficacy and Family Function of Patients with Schizophrenia

Clinical variables associated with Family Adaptability and Cohesion in patients with spinal cord injury

Antecedentes:&nbsp;Vivir con una persona portadora de lesión medular afecta al entorno y su medio, sobre todo por el grado en que el paciente depende de los familiares. El presente estudio, descriptivo comparativo, examinó la asociación entre las variables clínicas y adaptabilidad y cohesión familiar en pacientes con Lesión Medular.&nbsp;Método:&nbsp;Se utilizó la Escala de evaluación de la cohesión y la adaptabilidad familiar de D. Olson - FACES III. La muestra estuvo constituida por 100 pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, en su mayoría varones (77%).&nbsp;Resultados:&nbsp;No se evidenciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas de cohesión y adaptabilidad familiar en cuanto a las variables clínicas (etiología de la lesión, nivel de la lesión, tipo de lesión y tiempo de evolución). Se encontró un tamaño del efecto pequeño en cuanto a adaptabilidad familiar y tiempo de evolución de la lesión (d = 0.36).&nbsp;Conclusión:&nbsp;Inicialmente, las familias, que conviven con un paciente con lesión medular, presentan dificultades respecto a la cohesión y adaptabilidad familiar. Sin embargo, al transcurrir el tiempo, las familias tienden a adaptarse a una nueva condición.

Dyadic effects of perceived social support on family health and family functioning in patients with heart failure and their nearest relatives: Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model.

BackgroundSocial support, family functioning and family health are essential elements in the treatment of heart failure, yet most heart failure studies focus on the pharmacological interventions. This study aimed to examine whether perceived social support from nurses is associated with better family functioning of patients with heart failure and their nearest relatives and to examine whether family health mediates this relationship.Methods and findingsA sample of 312 patients with heart failure and 312 of their nearest relatives were included in the study. The Family Functioning, Health and Social Support questionnaire was used to collect the data. Dyadic data were analysed by the Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model with distinguishable dyads using structural equation modelling. Patients and nearest relatives who perceived more social support had a higher level of family health and functioned better within the family. One partner effect was found, indicating that the higher the level of family health of the nearest relative, the better the family functioning of the patient (p <0.001). Family health partially (in the patient) and completely (in the nearest relative) mediated the association between social support and family functioning.ConclusionThis study indicated that patients with heart failure and their nearest relatives who perceived more social support from nurses were more likely to have high level of family health and function better within the family. The interdependent relationships found in our study highlight a dyadic and family-oriented approach to improve family functioning in patients with heart failure.

Relationship Between Lifestyle and Family Functioning Among Family Members of Amphetamine Abusers in Southeast Iran.

Drug abuse is a social event and one of the worse health problems in the current age. Nowadays, the inclination of young people has changed from traditional drugs to more sophisticated and industrial drugs such as ecstasy, glass, and crack. Increasing drug abuse can be sought in families' lifestyles as an effective factor on individuals' health. The disturbance in family functioning can be associated with an individual's antisocial behaviors like addiction. Therefore, the current study is aimed at determining the relationship between lifestyle and family functioning of family members of patients with amphetamine abuse who referred to drug rehabilitation clinics in Southeast Iran. This is a correlational descriptive study conducted on 196 family members of patients with amphetamine abuse who referred to drug rehabilitation clinics in Southeast Iran. Data were collected through the use of demographic, family functioning, and lifestyle questionnaires. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 19 using independent t test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient test. The total mean score of lifestyle was observed to be 105.77 ± 24.39. Among the dimensions of lifestyle, the highest mean score was associated with health responsibility (26.28 ± 7.43), whereas the lowest mean score was associated with exercise (12.7 ± 5.1). In addition, the results showed that the total mean score of family functioning was 129.25 ± 20.97. Among the dimensions of family functioning, the highest mean score was associated with general functioning (26.07 ± 4.92), whereas the lowest mean score was associated with affective responsiveness (13.16 ± 2.88). There was a positive and significant relationship between lifestyle and family functioning, such that the increase in the mean score of lifestyle increased the score of family functioning (r = .34, p = .001). Because lifestyle is associated with family functioning of patients with amphetamine abuse, basic measures can be taken in families to prevent addiction by increasing information to families, which enhances their lifestyle and functioning.

Analysis on the status of family function of patients with coronary heart disease and its influence factors

Objective To explore the family function status of patients with coronary heart disease and its related influencing factors, to provide the basis for health education for patients with coronary heart disease. Methods A total of 120 patients with coronary heart disease who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from November 2014 to October 2015 were selected by means of convenience sampling.In this paper, the family function level was investigated by the family function scale (FAD) after sinicization, and the single-factor analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis were carried out with demographic data and disease related data. Results The total score of family function of patients with CHD was(16.88±2.88)points, and it was in a higher points than normal human.The main factors were financial burden, unattended care, disease course, disease knowledge and co-habitant. Conclusions The family function level of patients with coronary heart disease is not ideal, there are many factors.The comprehensive intervention should be given to the patients with CHD because of the unsatisfactory family functional status .Nurses should develop the targeted healthy education method for coronary cardiopathy patients with poor family function, and guide family members, relatives and friends to give mental and material support for the patients, to meet the needs of patients with love and belonging, so that the patient's life and treatment will be guaranteed to reduce complications and improve the quality of life. Key words: Coronary cardiopathy; Family function; Relative factors; Investigation

Family functioning is related to health behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

In 2014, 8.5% of people worldwide over the age of 18 had type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is estimated that, in recent years, the prevalence of this disease has increased mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Health behaviors are considered fundamental in the prevention, treatment, and control of this disease. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between health behaviors and satisfaction with family functioning in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is an observational, transversal, analytical study. In the Family Medicine Unit No.33 in Chihuahua, Mexico, 297 patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus were identified. Data was collected regarding sex, age and the Instrument for Measuring Lifestyles in Diabetics (IMEVID, for its acronym in Spanish) and the Family APGAR. We found that of the total number of patients, 91.6% presented some degree of unfavorable health behaviors, while 92.6% presented some type of family dysfunction. The categorical analysis positively correlated good family functionality with favorable health behaviors, Fisher's exact test p

Role of McMaster model of family therapy in improving family function of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective We aimed to investigate the role of McMaster model of family therapy in im-proving family function of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Patients who had advanced HCC and received transarterial embolization (TAE) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) from Department of Hepatobiliary I, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital between October 1, 2012 and June 25, 2013 were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (51 patients) and the control group (49 patients). The control group received routine family support education. The experimental group not only executed routine family support education, but also was given McMaster model of family therapy according to evaluation results of family assessment device (FAD) on the second and third day of hospitaliza-tion. The status of family function of all patients were assessed by FAD on the first day of hospitalization and fourth week after therapy. We compared the status of family function between the two groups. Results In age, gender, educational level, place of residence, occupation, family economic status, medical payment, liver or kidney function, HBV infection, cirrhosis and tumor burden, no statistical differences were found between the experimental group and the control group patients before TAE or TACE. Two groups were dysfunction in com-munication, roles, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, behavior control, and general function in addition to problem solving before TAE or TACE. No statistical differences were found between two groups. Af-ter the therapy, compared with the control group, those patients in the experimental group had a lower level scoring in communication, roles, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, behavior control, and general function in addition to problem solving on the fourth week after the therapy, t value was -2.544, -3.767, -3.904, -2.848, -4.950 and -4.953, the difference had statistical significance. Conclusions McMaster model of family therapy may help to improve family function of patients with advanced HCC. Key words: McMaster; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Family function

Family functioning in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder: A case - control study

Background: Psychological disorders can have a direct impact on family functioning. Family dysfunction is an indirect factor leading to the relapse of psychological disorders. Literature on family dysfunction in anxiety disorder is limited. Role of family and its functioning in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may help in better understanding of the role of social factors in OCD. Aim: The aim was to compare family functions in patients with OCD and compare with controls. Materials and Methods: The sample included 30 cases and 30 age and sex-matched controls. The patients were diagnosed as having OCD using ICD-10 DCR criteria. Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was used to assess the severity of OCD among patients. General Health Questionnaire was used as screening instruments for psychiatric disorder among the control population. Family function was assessed in cases and control using the Family Interaction Patterns Schedule (FIPS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Obsessive compulsive disorder patients in comparison controls had significantly increased total FIPS score (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Families with OCD are more significantly impaired in multiple domains of family dynamics than families without member suffering from OCD. It is, therefore, essential that family-based structure effective assessment be sought in the psychosocial management of OCD.

Assessment of family functioning in patients with psychosomatic disorders (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)

The present study is an assessment of family functioning in patients with psychosomatic disorders (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease). The study population consisted of all patients with psychosomatic disorders (diabetes, heart, blood pressure) in the city of Isfahan. To conduct this study, 39 patients were selected by simple random sampling method. This is a correlational study and the instrument used in this study is a family function questionnaire with the obtained validity of 0/88 for the study population. The data obtained were analyzed using logistic regression. The results show that there is a significant relationship between family function and heart disease (p 0.05).