BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS RELATED TO FUNCTIONING OF FAMILIES WITH DEPENDANT PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify how biopsychosocial factors, risk factors and protectors are related to family functioning within the dimensions of cohesion and adaptability on those families which have a dependent member attached to Family Health-Care Centers. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study. The population corresponded to 154 patients and 310 families that lived with a dependent member attached to family health centers in the city of Chillán. Data collection was done through a semistructured survey, FACES III scales and a communication scale included in FACES IV in order to measure the research variables. Results: Out of the 16 types of families proposed by Olson, when combining the four types of Cohesion and four types of Adaptability of the family, according to the perception of the relatives surveyed, only 12 types were found in the families studied. 24.5% had separate, chaotic family functioning, followed by 24.0% who displayed connected-chaotic functioning, that is, middle range. 23.9% was classified as disconnected chaotic i.e. extreme family functioning, presenting alteration in family functioning. Conclusion: The results lead to the conclusion that families with dependent patients show a variation within family functioning and communication becomes a vital element which promotes good family dynamic. This information contributes
to delivering nursing care wich is consistent with families’ specific needs, according to the Family Health-Care model context.