FAMILY FUNCTIONALITY OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the level of family functioning of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus according to Family APGAR scores. This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional design, conducted in a pediatric outpatient clinic in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. An instrument for the registration and monitoring of children and adolescents with chronic diseases was used, followed by the application of the Family APGAR scale. Data analysis utilized the Chi-Square test and correspondence analysis. The results showed that 73.5% of the families exhibited good family functionality, while 26.5% were classified as dysfunctional. Among the dysfunctional families, 57.1% had a mild degree and 42.8% had high dysfunction. Financial aspects and the family support network are directly related to the degree of family dysfunction. It is concluded that families presenting some degree of dysfunction require reorganization, as it triggers conflicts, making the experience of living with a chronic disease more painful.