Effectiveness of community‐based family‐focused interventions on family functioning among families of children with chronic health conditions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Community‐based family‐focused interventions can offer support to families of children with chronic health conditions. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of community‐based family‐focused interventions in improving family functioning, disease knowledge, and child health outcomes among families of children with chronic health conditions. Eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global) and one trial registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched from their dates of inception to October 2022. Meta‐analysis was performed under the random‐effect model when appropriate otherwise, findings were narratively synthesized. I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi‐squared test were used to determine heterogeneity. Quality appraisal was conducted by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach at the study and outcome level, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines guided this review. Eight studies were included in this review. Community‐based family‐focused interventions were viable methods that could support families of children with chronic health conditions. Family‐focused interventions that incorporate guided role‐playing exercises for parents and children, psychoeducational components, and elements from relationship‐focused interventions could support families more effectively. However, current findings are mostly limited to interventions conducted in patients' homes, and the long‐term effect of these interventions cannot be determined. Overall, community‐based family‐focused interventions have the potential to offer valuable support to families of children with chronic health conditions, and future research could seek to improve the effectiveness of these interventions.