Family Functionality and Anxiety in Adult Patients with Chronic Disease

Abstract

Objective. Describe the degree of relationship between family functioning and the level of anxiety in adult patients with chronic disease in a health institution at the second level. Methodology. The study design was descriptive, cross correlation, was performed on a sample of 97 patients and an equal number of families, the first ones were selected with a potential analysis, covering the following inclusion criteria: adultoriented patients about the services and outpatient consultation of an institution at second level of care. We used a sociodemographic card, the scale of effective family functioning of Friedemann (E-EFF) and the scale of Spielberger trait anxiety, the latter with an internal consistency of .83 and .75, respectively, as determined by Alpha Cronbach. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. The age group that prevailed in the family was from 33 to 47 years, a mean of 45.73, and in the patients, was the group of 60 to 70 years, an mean of 65.05; in both groups stressed the female gender. 56% of patients had diabetes mellitus type 2. As for the indices, trait-anxiety had a mean of 51 (10.7) in the EFF-E was 84 (11.5). Therefore, there was moderate level of anxiety in 92% of the patients and 91% integrating a functional family. The Spearman correlation showed no significant  association between the two variables of the study (rho = -.094, p = .362).Conclusion. The four subscales of the E-half EFF obtained significant values ranging from 77.0 to 92.0. The latter value is equivalent to the subscale of consistency, according to Friedemann, guide to family unity and membership also allows positive emotional bonds.