Chinese family care patterns of childhood rheumatic diseases: A cluster analysis.
Jiali Ma, Qinglin Yu, Taomei Zhang and 1 others
PMID 32099858WHAT IT FOUND
Four family care patterns emerged among 398 caregivers of children with rheumatic diseases.
Lower family income and rural living were linked to the chaotic, high-effort pattern.
Key findings
01In 398 primary caregivers, cluster analysis identified four family care patterns.
02The patterns were normal-perspective and collaborative (28.4%, n=113), effortless and contradictory (24.6%, n=98), chaotic and strenuous (18.3%, n=73), and confident and concerning (28.7%, n=114).
03Disease category, geographic location, maternal educational level, and family monthly income predicted pattern membership.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample came from hospitalized children and caregivers, so it may not apply to families cared for in the community. Family Management Measure data came from one parent, so the patterns may not reflect the whole family's management. The study identified patterns and associations only; it did not test whether any intervention improves family care or child outcomes. The cross-sectional design cannot show whether patterns change over time or whether income, rural living, education, or disease type cause a pattern. Data were pooled from two studies conducted in different time periods, so changes in care or disease course may be mixed together.
Declared interests
Funded by Shanghai Philosophy and Social Science Planning Project (Grant NO. 2018BGL034). The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that low income or rural living causes strained family care. The study used cross-sectional caregiver reports, so it can show association only.