HEALTH AND SOCIAL SUPPORT IN FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH DIABETES MELLITUS.
Contributors: Wayne State University.
Published: 1987
Number of pages: 252
Subjects: Education, Health.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among family health, child health, and social support in families with children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The predicted relationships among the study variables were derived from Imogene King's conceptual framework for nursing and the empirical literature. Indicators of the variables and variable measures were: (a) family functioning (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES) III), (b) family composition (a one to four scale), (c) child health (Self-Perception Profile for Children), (d) metabolic control (HgA1c), (e) physical symptoms (instrument developed for the study), and (f) parent(s) and child's social support (Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire). Relationships were stipulated in the form of a causal model and tested with LISREL VI analysis.

The descriptive, correlational design utilized a convenience sample of 103 families with diabetic children between the ages of 10 to 16. Data were collected from parent(s) and children during inhome interviews.

Study findings supported three hypotheses, that (a) parents(s) social support had a direct and positive effect on family health, (b) parent(s) and child's social support were significantly related, and (c) illness factors (age, duration of illness, and metabolic control) had a direct and negative effect on child health. Significant relationships also were identified between parent(s) support and family composition. The reciprocal relationship between family health was not supported.

Factor analysis of the child health indicators demonstrated a clear distinction between health and illness factors for children with IDDM. Higher levels of psychosocial health were associated with fewer physical symptoms and better metabolic control. An unexpected finding was that more frequent physical symptoms were associated with better metabolic control.

The findings provided empirical support for King's conceptual framework for nursing and expanded on the knowledge base of child health, family health, and social support. From this, specific nursing interventions with children with IDDM and their families were identified.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 48-04, Section: A, page: 0841.

Thesis (PH.D.)--WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY, 1987.

School code: 0254.