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Description of the Family Structure
The selected family that was used in undertaking this assignment is Mr. X’s family. The family is an extended family. The family members comprised of Mr. X and his wife, two children, and their grandparents. The family is African-American family. The husband, Mr. X works in a local manufacturing company as a salesperson. His wife works as a cashier at a local restaurant. Their children – two daughters- are in their junior high school. The grandmother is a retired nurse while the grandfather is an ex-military person. The family members are Christians who attend the church on a regular basis. The family can be categorized as a middle class family based on their lifestyle and affordability of the basic needs and wants. The home environment of the family was clean. There was adequate supply of clean water, adequate food supplies, and effective disposal of wastes.
Overall Health Behaviors of the Family
An interview to identify the health behaviors of the family was undertaken using Gordon’s functional health patterns. The interview revealed that the family perceived their overall health to be good. The family members reported to understand the importance of health promotion. They utilized the available health care services that include screening and early treatment of health problems. However, the perceived challenges of the family in accessing the care they needed included high cost of medical care, use of traditional medicines, and lack of understanding about some of their health problems. The interview revealed that the nutritional status of the family was adequate. The adequacy was seen from the ready availability of healthy diets for the family members. There was also the evidence of minimal influence of culture on the family’s dietary habits. The family however noted that having elderly members had affected the dietary choices they made since they prioritized the health needs of their grandparents.
The interview also revealed that most of the family members have adequate rest and sleep. This could be seen from the average number of hours that the family slept or rested on a daily basis. The grandparents however reported to experience insomnia. They reported to have challenges in getting and maintaining sleep. The family reported minimal issues related to elimination. The grandparents were reported to have elimination problems that included incontinence and use of laxatives to ease passing of stool by one of the grandparents. This experience has been a source of significant distress to the family. The family also reported to engage in adequate physical activities. They included having a morning run and assisting their grandparents walk round the compound on a regular basis. One of the grandparents however had spinal injury, which limits his ability to engage in moderate physical activity.
The interview also revealed that the family members had a positive perception towards self, others, and their bodies. They appreciated themselves for helping one another achieve their set goals in the family. No abnormalities were identified in the sensory-perception aspect of assessment. The family members were aware of themselves, space, and time. They also played active roles in their desired social, functional, and occupational roles. However, the grandparents were dependent on their children. The family members reported to utilize social support systems in addressing their stressful conditions. They assist each other in seeking ways of managing their stressful events. They also seek the support of the church members and pastor in difficult situations. The interview did not reveal any sexuality-related problems in the family.
Assessment Description
This family health assessment is a two-part assignment. The information you gather in this initial assignment will be utilized for the second assignment in Topic 3.
Develop an interview questionnaire to be used in a family-focused functional assessment. The questionnaire must include three open-ended, family-focused questions to assess functional health patterns for each of the following:
Values/Health Perception
Nutrition
Sleep/Rest
Elimination
Activity/Exercise
Cognitive
Sensory-Perception
Self-Perception
Role Relationship
Sexuality
Coping
Understanding the structure and style of a family is critical for patient and family care. A family interview and needs assessment gather information to identify strengths as well as potential health barriers. This information eventually aids in the development of family-centered strategies for support and guidance.
Upon completion of the interview, write a 750-1,000-word paper. Analyze your assessment findings. Submit your questionnaire as an appendix with your assignment.
Choose a family other than your own and obtain permission to conduct an interview with them. Conduct a family-focused functional assessment using the interview questions compiled in your interview questionnaire. As you conduct the interview, take notes on the responses.
Include the following in your paper:
Explain the family structure. Individuals and any relevant attributes defining the family composition, such as race/ethnicity, social class, spirituality, and environment, should be included.
Summarize the family’s overall health behaviors. Describe the family’s current state of health.
Describe at least two of the functional health pattern strengths identified in your findings. Discuss three areas where health issues or barriers to health have been identified.
Describe how family systems theory can be used to encourage changes in family members, which will lead to positive changes in overall family functions over time.
Cite at least three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources to complete this assignment. Sources should be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Course Resources if you need assistance.