[Changes in structure and function of the family of the adolescent in the last decade (1997-2007)]

To find out the structure and functioning of the family of the adolescent and its changes in the last decade.

Cross-sectional descriptive study using questionnaires.

Pupils in obligatory secondary education and high-school in one rural (Granada) and one urban (Jaén) area.

Self-administered questionnaire (years 1997-2001-2004-2007) in which details of age, sex, family structure and family-Apgar test were recorded.

A total of 1356 adolescents participated, 1271 questionnaires valid (259, 386, 246 and 380 respectively per year). Ages 12-18 years, equality of sexes. The nuclear family structure was predominant (78-84%), followed by single parent family in (7-11%), extended (6-7%) and reconstituted (2%). The family function was mainly normal (70-76%), with 30% dysfunction (slight dysfunction 18-21% and severe dysfunction 5-10%). The structure and family function does not vary by sex or the year of study, it is influenced by age: adolescents 16 years with a higher percentage of family dysfunction in 1997/2001 than the rest of ages, declining in the years 2004/2007 (P <0.05 chi(2)), similar to other ages. While the nuclear family in 1997 had a greater number of adolescents with normal family function (P <0.05 chi(2)), in the remaining years there were no significant differences between different family structures.

The perception of family function in adolescents has changed and now does not depend on sex, age and structure. Family care during adolescence should focus on promoting positive family dynamics, regardless of family structure.