J Korean Acad Fam Med.  1997 May;18(5):531-540.

Correlation of physical and family function in disabled patients

• Lee JB

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronically disabled rehabilitating patients influence their family members by their physical dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to know the relation of family function and physical function in disable person who is periodically treated in r ehabilitation department.
METHODS
To know the family function according to physical disability, 64 patients(M/ F: 40/24) in rehabilitation clinic in 1 university hospital was studied by questionnaires including ADL(activity of daily living), IADL(instrumental actvity of daily living), FIM(functional independence measure), family APGAR.
RESULTS
Causes of disabilities were stroke 2, traumatic brain injury 14, fracture 16, spinal cord injury 12, burn 2, arthritis 9, back pain syndrome 9 in order. Physical function of functional families was better than dysfunctional families. And physical function according to FIM score was statistically significant(p<0.05). Physical function was significantly(P value, ADL: 0.021, IADL: 0.009, FIM: 0.005) correlated with family APGAR score.
CONCLUSIONS
Physical function and family function in rehabilitating patients with irreversible disability have significant correlations. Physician have to consider family function and dynamics in care of physically disabled patients.

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Apgar Score
Arthritis
Back Pain
Brain Injuries
Burns
Disabled Persons
Humans
Rehabilitation
Spinal Cord Injuries
Stroke
Surveys and Questionnaires