Family Functioning of Adolescents with Congenital Cardiopathy in a Sample from Public Schools in Porto Alegre-RS

Abstract

Background: The impact of chronic diseases on the patient and the family ranges from minimal to severe distress. Family functioning has been often investigated as a psychosocial measure having an essential role for social adjustment in chronic diseases. Objectives:: To compare family functioning among families of adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) and healthy controls (H) in relation to cohesion, adaptability, and family risk. Method: Cross-sectional exposed-control study with 2 groups of adolescents (12-18 years). The exposed group included adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD), from a specialized public health system hospital (SUS), and adolescents from 7 public schools, considered healthy, composed the control group. In the hospital, the data collection was individual, before the medical consultation. In schools, the collection took place in groups. Adolescents and parents responded to the FACES III scale. The following statistical tests were used: Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's test, T-test for independent samples, Poisson multivariate regression analysis with 95% reliability, significance established at 5% and a statistical power at 99% (ß = 0.01). Results: A total of 161 (41.6%) adolescents with CHD and 226 (58.4%) healthy adolescents participated. There was greater family cohesion among adolescents with CHD, with a higher frequency of connected families, while among healthy adolescents, there are more families of the disengaged type. Regarding adaptability, a higher proportion of families of the chaotic type were found among healthy adolescents compared to adolescents with CHD. A higher frequency of high-risk families was identified among healthy adolescents (16.8%). Conclusion: The families of the adolescents with CHD have a more balanced functioning and low risk when compared to the families of healthy adolescents; with greater cohesion between the members and greater adaptability. Congenital heart disease was not an independent factor for high-risk family.