Cancer families with children: factors associated with family functioning--a comparative study in Finland

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to examine the factors associated with family functioning in families with children where a parent has cancer in comparison to families without cancer.

Sample and methods: Eighty-five families including 85 cancer patients, 61 healthy spouses and 68 children between 11 and 17 years of age, and a control group of 59 families including 105 adults and 65 children were given a set of questionnaires including a background variable questionnaire, the Family Assessment Device, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Sense of Coherence (SOC). A statistical multilevel model allowing the use of data from several informants belonging to the same family was constructed for the analysis of associations between variables.

Results: Maternal depression and SOC of family members were associated with family functioning; maternal depression impaired family functioning and family members' SOC improved it. No difference was found between the clinical group and the control group.

Conclusion: In clinical work with cancer families with children, maternal depression and SOC should be focused on.