The influence of family management style on psychosocial problems of childhood cancer survivors in Korea

The effect of a peer-assisted video-based training programme and counselling to reduce anxiety in children newly diagnosed with cancer: Non-randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of 'peer-assisted video-based education programme' (VTPA) and counselling to reduce anxiety in children newly diagnosed with cancer.

METHODS

A non-randomised controlled trial design with repeated measures was conducted. The sample of the study consisted of 50 children between the ages of 9 and 18 who were newly diagnosed with cancer in the hospital. Intervention and control groups were created. Children in the intervention group received both VTPA training and counselling practice 3 days a week for 2 months. Data were collected with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children. The basal assessment in the research was the first meeting with the child, with interval assessments 1 month after, 2 months after and 3 months after the education.

RESULTS

In the study, it was determined that the state anxiety mean scores of the children in the PAVEP and control groups differed over time (p < 0.05). However, it was determined that there was no difference between the trait anxiety mean scores of the children (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

VTPA with peer assistance and counselling application supported the reduction of state anxiety in children newly diagnosed with cancer over time.

Family resilience factors affecting family adaptation of children with cancer: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Pediatric cancer impacts all family members, including parents and siblings, who strive to adjust to a multitude of changes brought about by the illness. Family resilience is an important factor in the successful adaptation of families of children with cancer. Therefore, we aimed to identify risk and protective factors for family resilience at the child, family, and community levels that affect the adaptation of families of children with cancer.

METHOD

This study employed a descriptive survey design, and data were collected from 111 parents of children undergoing treatment for cancer between April and May 2020 at a university hospital in South Korea. Based on Patterson's family resilience model, risk factors-severity of child's condition, parental depression, and stigma and discrimination-and protective factors-the child's temperament, family communication skills, and supportive health services-for family adaptation were analyzed using multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among family resilience factors affecting the adaptation of families of children with cancer, parental depression (ß = -0.290, p = 0.004) and family communication skills (ß = 0.403, p < 0.001) were identified as risk and protective factors, respectively. These variables accounted for 29.3% of the variance in family adaptation (F = 7.503, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to develop strategies such as intervention programs that focus on reducing parental depression and strengthening family communication skills to promote the adaptation of families to pediatric cancer.

Effect of parental mutuality on the quality of life of mothers of children with special health needs

Objective:

to analyze the effect of parental mutuality on the quality of life related to the health of mothers who care for children with special health needs.

Method:

an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The following instruments were applied to 181 caregiving mothers: The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form and Family Management Measure (Parental Mutuality subscale). In the statistical analysis, Spearmans correlation and univariate and multivariate linear regression were used.

Results:

the total score of parental mutuality was 30.8, indicating a satisfactory perception of the caregiving mother about the way the couple shares decisions regarding the care of the child. In the multivariate regression analysis, parental mutuality maintained a statistically significant association with the domains of pain, social aspects and emotional limitations of quality of life related to health (p=<0.001, 0.003, 0.002), respectively.

Conclusion:

parental mutuality has a positive effect on some domains of quality of life related to health. It is recommended to plan actions aimed at strengthening the complicity and connection between the couple, especially in matters related to the care of the child with special health needs.

Tracing the Use of the Family Management Framework and Measure: A Scoping Review

This article reports the results of a scoping review of research applications of the Family Management Style Framework (FMSF) and the Family Management Measure (FaMM). We identified 32 studies based on the FMSF and 41 studies in which the FaMM was used, 17 of which were based on the FMSF. Both the framework and measure have been used by investigators in multiple countries, with most applications of the FaMM outside the United States. Although the FMSF and FaMM were originally developed for use with families in which there was a child with a chronic physical condition, both have been applied to a broader range of health conditions and to studies focusing on families with an adult member facing a health challenge. Based on our findings, we make recommendations for how researchers can more fully address all aspects of the FMSF.

Measurement of Family Management in Families of Individuals With Down Syndrome: A Cross-Cultural Investigation

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability worldwide. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the internal consistency reliability of eight language versions of the Family Management Measure (FaMM) and compare family management of DS across cultures. A total of 2,740 parents of individuals with DS from 11 countries completed the FaMM. The analysis provided evidence of internal consistency reliability exceeding .70 for four of six FaMM scales for the entire sample. Across countries, there was a pattern of positive family management. Cross-cultural comparisons revealed parents from Brazil, Spain, and the United States had the most positive family management and respondents from Ireland, Italy, Japan, and Korea had the least positive. The rankings were mixed for the four remaining countries. These findings provide evidence of overall strong internal consistency reliability of the FaMM. More cross-cultural research is needed to understand how social determinants of health influence family management in families of individuals with DS.

Association Between Caregivers' Family Management and Quality of Life in Children with Chronic Disease in Southern Thailand

PURPOSE

Caring for children with chronic diseases, caregivers have to manage their child's daily life to prevent complications and improve their quality of life. This study investigated family management of children with chronic diseases, quality of life of children, and correlation between family management of caregivers and quality of life of children as perceived by the caregivers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study collected data from 200 pairs of caregivers and children with asthma, anemia, and thalassemia aged 5 to 12 years after receiving treatment and follow-up in the pediatric outpatient department of the tertiary hospital, June to November 2020. Research instruments comprised a Family Management Measure (FaMM) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0). Data were analyzed using descriptive and Spearman rank correlation coefficient statistics.

RESULTS

The caregivers of children obtained a mean score on family management of 166.88 (S.D.= 11.32). The quality of life of children with chronic illness had a mean score of 66.59 (S.D.= 18.63). Correlation analysis revealed that easy family management of the caregivers had a positive correlation with the quality of life of children with chronic diseases. On the contrary, difficulty in family management negatively correlated with the quality of life of the children.

CONCLUSION

Most caregivers could have easy family management in caring for the children. In summary, easy family management will allow children with chronic illness to receive decent care from their caregivers, contributing to improved quality of life.

Ideal physical features of environmental design in children’s hospital

Purpose

During hospitalization, children are faced with physical disorders and many psychological challenges. One important factor affecting children is the environmental design of the hospital. The inappropriate design of hospitals may contribute to an increase in fear, anxiety and behavioral disorders. The purpose of this study is to use children’s perspectives to evaluate the importance and impact of effective environmental factors to generate children’s hospital design guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, children’s desired atmosphere during treatment was examined via 16 drawings and 24 interviews from children at a children’s hospital in Iran.

Findings

The encoding of information extracted environmental components such as window view, color, hobby, playing, decorations, family presence, structure of hospital, presence of nurse, furniture, water features, light and green space. The results indicate that children prefer a hospital environment that provides entertainment facilities while also offering design features such as the presence of light, colorful decorations, the existence of green spaces and conditions suitable for their families to be present.

Research limitations/implications

Depending on the location and their living conditions, the children’s prioritization can be different in any society. In addition, the data of this research was descriptive; thus, the conclusions must be considered tentative.

Originality/value

A number of studies focus on the needs of populations in developed countries. This topic has not been investigated in a major way via professionals in non-western countries such as Iran. Thus, the context of this study and present findings can be deemed unique.

Chinese family care patterns of childhood rheumatic diseases: A cluster analysis

Objectives

The purpose is to distinguish family care (FC) patterns of childhood rheumatic diseases in Chinese families and to determine the predictors of FC patterns.

Methods

This secondary analysis contained two cross-section surveys with a convenient sample of totally 398 caregivers who have a child with rheumatic diseases from four pediatric hospitals. Caregivers were required to completed Family Management Measure questionnaire. Cluster analysis was used to distinguish patterns and multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to find predictors.

Results

Four patterns were identified: the normal-perspective and collaborative (28.4%), the effortless and contradictory (24.6%), the chaotic and strenuous (18.3%), and the confident and concerning (28.7%). Disease category (χ² = 21.23, P = 0.002), geographic location (χ² = 8.41, P = 0.038), maternal educational level (χ² = 12.69, P = 0.048) and family monthly income (χ² = 33.21, P < 0.001) predicted different patterns.

Conclusions

FC patterns were different among families. Disease-related and family-related factors were vital predictors to distinguish patterns consistent with the Family Management Style Framework. The result assisted that clinicians recognize FC patterns and predictors effectively to provide tailored advice in time.

Family Management of Pediatric Cancer: Links with Parenting Satisfaction and Psychological Distress

Research has long acknowledged the disruptions posed by pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment to family life. Nonetheless, the mechanisms through which the family response influences parents' mental health in this adverse context are not fully understood. The main goal of the present study was to examine the direct and indirect links, via parenting satisfaction, between family condition management and psychological distress of parents of children with cancer. Participants were 201 parents (86.6% mothers) of children/adolescents diagnosed with cancer who completed self-report questionnaires assessing family condition management (family life difficulty and parental mutuality), parenting satisfaction, and psychological distress (anxiety and depression). Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed mediation model. The results showed that parenting satisfaction mediated the association between both the family condition management dimensions (family life difficulty and parental mutuality) and depression. Specifically, greater family life difficulties and lower parental mutuality were associated with lower parenting satisfaction, which, in turn, was associated with higher levels of depression. Additionally, greater family life difficulties and lower parental mutuality were directly linked to higher levels of anxiety. Multigroup analyses suggested that the model was valid across patient age groups (children vs. adolescents) and treatment status (on vs. off-treatment). These findings reinforce the need for family- and parent-based interventions in the pediatric oncology field. Interventions that target families' difficulties and promote their resources are likely to foster parenting satisfaction and psychological adjustment.

Relationship of family management with sociodemographic aspects and children's physical dependence in neurological disorders

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship of family management with sociodemographic and physical dependence aspects of children and adolescents with neurological impairment.

METHOD

Descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at a child neurology center. A non-probabilistic sample was obtained from 141 family members who answered two instruments: a) Sociodemographic condition of families; b) Family Management Measure. In the statistical analysis, we used the Spearman Coefficient and the Mann Whitney Test.

RESULTS

the longer the specialized care time, the lower the identity score (rs = - 0.209, p = 0.01); the higher the effort score (rs = 0.181, p = 0.03), the family difficulty score (rs = 0.239, p = 0.001) and the impact of the disease on family life (rs = 0.213, p = 0.01). The families of children and adolescents with physical dependence for activities of daily living presented a higher score in the following dimensions: management effort (<0.001), family difficulty (p = 0.004) and perception of disease impact (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There was evidence of a correlation between management with sociodemographic and child dependence aspects, with an association between management difficulty and longer time of child and adolescent care.

Translation, cultural adaptation and preliminary psychometric evaluation of the "Family Management Measure" among Iranian families with a child with a chronic disease

Background

The basis of any research is the use of valid and reliable tools for collecting information. One of the valid and reliable tools used to identify the family management in chronic childhood diseases is “FaMM” which has never been translated and validated in previous research in Iran.

Objective

The present study aimed to translate, incorporate cultural adaptation, and determine psychometric features of FaMM among Iranian families with a child with a chronic disease.

Methods

This study was conducted using the methodological research approach in Tehran, during 2016–2017. The translation of FaMM was done using “World Health Organization Translation and Cultural Adaptation Guidelines”. The preliminary psychometric evaluation of the above tool was performed by determining the validity (face and content validity) and reliability (internal consistency and stability). Data analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS 22. Content validity (CV) was first examined using qualitative and quantitative methods. In the qualitative phase, experts’ opinions were received in order to observe grammar, wording, item allocation and scaling. Then, quantitative CV was examined using Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI; Scale-CVI/Avg, Scale-CVI/UA). In order to calculate the internal consistency of the items, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of statements was calculated. Test-retest method was used for determining the stability of the tool, and the obtained scores were compared using ICC.

Results

The Persian version of FaMM has conceptual, semantic, idiomatic and by-item equivalence, as well as a desirable preliminary validity and reliability for assessing the management of families with children with chronic disease. The results of CVR determination indicated that all questions were larger than Lawshe’s Table number (0.49). The CVI results showed that all questions had a score higher than 0.79, and therefore were recognized as appropriate. In the Scale-CVI/Avg, the score was 0.98 and in the Scale-CVI/UA, the score was 0.80. The Cronbach’s alpha value for the scales was obtained in the range of 0.55 to 0.87 and the ICC of scales ranged from 0.71 to 0.94.

Conclusion

The translation and cultural adaptation process of FaMM led to the design of a tool adapted to Iranian culture which can be applied in this context, and after the implementation of the final psychometric evaluation process, comparing data on how families with a child with chronic disease are managed with other communities can be possible.

Validation of Family Management Measure for the Brazilian culture

ABSTRACT Etjective: To validate the Family Management Measure (FaMM) for Brazilian culture. Method: Quantitative research excerpt, following the recommendations for validation studies. The data presented refer to the last stage of the process. Results: The internal consistency of the items was analyzed through Cronbach's alpha of the six domains: Child's Daily Life (0.78); Condition Management Effort (0.51); Condition Management Ability (0.55); Family Life Difficulty (0.86); View of Condition Impact (0.56); and Parental Mutuality (0.80). Exploratory factorial analysis of the instrument was carried out, obtaining an acceptable adjustment, according to validation standards. Conclusion: The FaMM presents evidence of validation and can be used in the Brazilian culture under the name of Instrumento de Medida de Manejo Familiar, which was adjusted in eight domains, providing varied aspects of family management and a good evaluation of the fundamental aspects of family life in the context of childhood chronic conditions.

Cluster analysis for family management of Chinese children with chronic kidney diseases

This study aimed to identify patterns of family management and its predictors based on the perception of the care experience from 339 caregivers of Chinese children with chronic kidney disease in multiple medical centers. Each caregiver completed the Family Management Measure questionnaires. Cluster analysis generated five patterns: effective (12.7%), impaired (14.5%), burdensome (21.2%), disorganized (27.7%), and concerning (23.9%). Multinomial logistic regression indicated that child's age, disease duration, family income, and paternal employment predicted cluster membership. Findings assist healthcare providers to distinguish families that need more help and the areas in which to intervene to promote families' overall coping and adaptation.