Identifying Factors Related to Family Management During the Coping Process of Families with Childhood Chronic Conditions: A Multi-Site Study

- We determine the family-specific and child-specific factors associated with each domain of family management in families with a child having a chronic condition.
- We explore the association between child functioning and family management of childhood chronic condition.
- We find family functioning is related to certain aspects of family management.
- Understanding of these factors may influence nurses to transform corresponding aspects of family management to positively affect child and family outcomes.

This study was designed to determine the key predictors for each aspect of family management of families with children who have chronic conditions in China. The participants included 399 caregivers whose children have chronic illnesses. We used the following instruments: Child Behavior Checklist; Feetham Family Functioning Survey; and Family Management Measures. The final modes of the hierarchical regression explained 29-48% of the variance in aspects of family management. More family support should be provided for those with low family income, children with renal and genetic disorders and rheumatic diseases and those living in rural areas. Child and family functioning affects family management.