Families' situation of caring for a child with a chronic condition: a mixed methods study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the meanings attributed by family members to the situation of caring for a child with a chronic condition (CCC), in the light of the Family Management Style Framework (FMSF).

METHOD

A mixed-methods, parallel-convergent study, guided by the FMSF theoretical framework, using the conceptual component "Definition of the Situation". Fifty-three CCC families took part. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview, a questionnaire to characterize the participants and a Family Management Measure scale. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out on the quantitative data and the qualitative data was subjected to deductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Family members reported a view of normality in relation to CCC, also verified by the Child's Daily Life scale. However, they indicate the repercussions of the chronic condition on the family, and that they devote more attention and time to meeting the child's care needs, which was also verified in the View of the Impact of the Condition and Management Effort scales.

CONCLUSION

Families have a positive view of the situation of caring for CCC at home, but point out some negative effects, such as the greater time spent caring for the child.

Social support networks and life cycle stage of Venezuelan immigrant families

OBJECTIVE

To understand the structures of social networks of interiorized Venezuelan immigrant families and the life cycle stage they are in.

METHODS

Qualitative multiple-case study with families from the Interiorization Program residing in the Greater Florianópolis, Brazil. Screening occurred through social networks and key informants. For data collection, the photovoice technique and semi-structured interviews were used, categorized with the help of the Atlas.ti software. Genograms and ecomaps were elaborated.

RESULTS

Of the 4 families interviewed, totaling 7 members with young children, the nuclear family was identified as the main informal support network. Formal networks included schools, churches, and civil society.

CONCLUSION

Families rely heavily on their nuclear structure for support, with formal institutions acting as secondary resources. The predominant life cycle stage is focused on families with young children. More efforts are needed to strengthen formal support networks.

Striking a new balance: A qualitative study of how family life has been affected by COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

to examine the repercussions of the pandemic on the family system by focusing on the perspective of family members who contracted and experienced COVID-19.

METHOD

an exploratory study with a qualitative approach conducted with 27 individuals who had COVID-19. Data collection took place through telephone interviews that were audio-recorded and guided by a semi-structured instrument. Data analysis was based on an inductive process supported by Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

RESULTS

the pandemic and illness of a family member acted as driving forces generating new and intense movements in the family system. Initially, they noticed negative repercussions such as concerns, fear, anguish, stress, distancing and social isolation. As time progressed and by using technologies to ease communication, they began to perceive positive repercussions such as increased proximity, strengthening of ties, development of new roles and care. The families also identified recovery of a balanced position, with return of certain readjustment in family dynamics and functioning.

CONCLUSION

health professionals need to recognize that the COVID-19 disease has imposed repercussions on family systems, proposing interventions that help families face this moment and more easily recover a balanced position for their functioning.

Waves of family hope: narratives of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness

OBJECTIVE

to analyze narratives about the experience of hope of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness.

METHOD

a narrative research using Family Systems Nursing as a conceptual framework. Three families of children and adolescents diagnosed with complex chronic illness participated in this study, totaling 10 participants. Data collection was developed using family photo-elicitation interviews. Family narratives were constructed and analyzed according to inductive thematic analysis with theoretical data triangulation.

RESULTS

the analytical theme - Waves of Family Hope in the Context of Pediatric Chronic Illness - is composed of four different types of hope: uncertain hope, caring hope, latent hope, and expectant hope. Movement through these hopes generates a driving energy and depends on a number of factors: support, information, searching for normality, and thoughts and comparisons.

CONCLUSION

the results highlight the interaction and reciprocities of the members of the family unit, and the dynamics of hope, and illustrate the different types of hope and the factors that influence them. This study highlights the experience of hope as a family resource rather than just an individual resource, and supports health professionals in the planning of family care considering hope as an essential and dynamic family resource.