The effects of family structure and function on mental health during China’s transition: a cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

BackgroundSocial change, intensified by industrialization and globalization, has not only changed people’s work lives but also their personal lives, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to provide evidence and recommendations regarding family structure, function, and mental health to actively respond to rapid social change.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted face-to-face and door-to-door from July 2011 to September 2012 in Hubei Province, central China. Family structure comprised alone, couple, nuclear family, and extended family; family function was measured using the family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve) scale, and mental health was measured using the Chinese version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).ResultsThe urban-vs-rural difference of family structure among alone, couple, nuclear family, and extended family was statistically significant (5.21% vs 4.62%; 27.36% vs 13.14%; 33.22% vs 27.74%; 34.20% vs 54.50%, respectively; p < 0.0001); and those difference of family function was not statistically significant (8.11 ± 2.13 vs 8.09 ± 2.27, p = 0.9372). The general linear regression showed that the effect of family structure on mental health, whether urban or rural, was not significant, however, the effect of family function was significant, especially regarding better family functioning with better mental health.ConclusionsCombined the effects of family structure and function on mental health, the external form of family (family structure) may not be important; while the internal quality of role (family function) might be key. Improving the residents’ family function would be a priority strategy for family practice with their mental health.

Status of tuberculosis‐related stigma and associated factors: a cross‐sectional study in central China

“…For example, Cheng et al . reported that the family APGAR score was 8.08 (SD = 2.18) for 1052 adult residents aged 15 years and older in Hubei Province , and Hai et al . showed that the score was 8.00 (SD = 0.92) for 834 community‐dwelling Chinese individuals aged ≥60 years .…”

“…However, in comparison with the Chinese general population, the family APGAR score of TB patients was lower. For example, Cheng et al reported that the family APGAR score was 8.08 (SD = 2.18) for 1052 adult residents aged 15 years and older in Hubei Province [27], and Hai et al showed that the score was 8.00 (SD = 0.92) for 834 community-dwelling Chinese individuals aged ≥60 years [28]. This illustrates that TB patients' family function is somewhat impaired, and improving it would be an effective strategy to combat their stigma.…”

Kualitas Hidup Lansia: Kaitannya Dengan Integritas Diri, Interaksi Suami-Istri, Dan Fungsi Keluarga

“…Penelitian menunjukkan perbedaan signifikan pada dimensi keuangan yaitu lansia di perkotaan lebih baik perihal keuangan dibandingkan lansia di perdesaan. Penelitian Cheng et al (2017) menemukan bahwa rendahnya status ekonomi lansia di perdesaan menyebabkan rendahnya daya beli. Menurut Levasseur et al (2015), lansia di perkotaan memiliki lingkungan tempat tinggal yang nyaman karena jarak rumah antar tetangga dekat, tersedianya layanan kesehatan, dan fasilitas lainnya di perkotaan lebih memadai dibandingkan di perdesaan (Karamivand, Bastani, & Haghani, 2018).…”

“…Penelitian sebelumnya yang dilakukan Sanchez et al (2011) menemukan bahwa fungsi keluarga berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap kualitas hidup yang terdiri dari empat dimensi yaitu dukungan sosial, kepuasan, kesejahteraan mental dan fisik, serta ketersediaan waktu luang. Cheng et al (2017) menemukan bahwa fungsi keluarga berkaitan dengan salah satu dimensi kualitas hidup yaitu dimensi kesehatan. Penelitian Cao et al (2013) juga menemukan bahwa semakin baik fungsi keluarga, maka semakin baik kesejahteraan emosional yang lansia rasakan.…”

Psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Fraboni Scale of Ageism: evidence from medical students sample

“…Because it is common for old adults to live with his offspring in China [34]. After removing the above six items, ICC and α coefficient indicated the scale was reliable.…”