OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) to explore the transfer of responsibility of medical tasks from parent to child during the transition to adolescence, and (2) to examine the associations between family functioning and medical adherence in youth with spina bifida. METHODS: Seventy families of children with spina bifida participated in this study. Data were collected during family interaction sessions by using questionnaires completed by mothers, fathers, youth, teachers and health professionals. RESULTS: Findings suggest that responsibility for medical regimens transfers gradually from parent to child over time. Additionally, family conflict and cohesion were correlated with medical adherence. Finally, family conflict over medical issues was related to a decrease in medical adherence over time. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that as youth take more responsibility over their medical regimens, family conflict regarding medical issues becomes a contributor to their adherence behaviors. Interventions that target family conflict may facilitate adherence behaviors.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) to explore the transfer of responsibility of medical tasks from parent to child during the transition to adolescence, and (2) to examine the associations between family functioning and medical adherence in youth with spina bifida. METHODS: Seventy families of children with spina bifida participated in this study. Data were collected during family interaction sessions by using questionnaires completed by mothers, fathers, youth, teachers and health professionals. RESULTS: Findings suggest that responsibility for medical regimens transfers gradually from parent to child over time. Additionally, family conflict and cohesion were correlated with medical adherence. Finally, family conflict over medical issues was related to a decrease in medical adherence over time. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that as youth take more responsibility over their medical regimens, family conflict regarding medical issues becomes a contributor to their adherence behaviors. Interventions that target family conflict may facilitate adherence behaviors.
Authors: Deborah J Wiebe; Cynthia A Berg; Carolyn Korbel; Debra L Palmer; Ryan M Beveridge; Renn Upchurch; Rob Lindsay; Michael T Swinyard; David L Donaldson Journal: J Pediatr Psychol Date: 2005-03
Authors: Natalie A Williams; Mace Coday; Grant Somes; Frances A Tylavsky; Phyllis A Richey; Marion Hare Journal: J Dev Behav Pediatr Date: 2010 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 2.225