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Family functioning and stress as predictors of influenza B infection
R D Clover1, T Abell, L A Becker
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City 73190.
Insights
Family functioning, specifically cohesion and adaptability, impacts influenza B infection rates. Poor family dynamics may increase susceptibility to viral infections by altering immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Family dynamics and health
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
Background:
- Family functioning and parental stress are potential factors influencing infectious disease incidence.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the link between family environment and influenza susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between family functioning and parental stress with the incidence of influenza infection.
- To determine if specific aspects of family dynamics predict influenza B infection risk.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving families with children.
- Assessed family functioning (FACES II, Family APGAR) and parental stress (SRRS) at baseline.
- Monitored for influenza infection via viral culture and antibody titers post-epidemic.
Main Results:
- Influenza infection showed a significant association with family cohesion and adaptability (FACES II).
- Family APGAR and SRRS scores were not significantly linked to influenza B infection.
- Family functioning, particularly cohesion and adaptability, emerged as a key factor in influenza B incidence.
Conclusions:
- Family functioning significantly influences the frequency of influenza B infection within families.
- Family dysfunction may alter immune responses, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Interventions targeting family dynamics could potentially reduce infectious disease burden.
Abstract:
A prospective cohort study was designed to study the effects of family functioning and stress on the incidence of influenza infection. Families from the clinic roster, containing two adults and at least one child between the ages of 1 and 18 years, were asked to participate. Baseline (pre-influenza) data included a serum determination for influenza A and B antibodies, family functioning as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES) II and the Family APGAR, and parental stress as measured by the social readjustment rating scale (SRRS). During the study all family members of patients with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms or fever were seen, and throat swabs were obtained for viral culture. Approximately 2 weeks after the influenza epidemic ended (March 1984), sera for antibodies were again collected on all family members. Chi-square analysis showed that infection (defined as a fourfold titer rise or a positive viral throat culture) was significantly associated with both cohesion and adaptability as measured by FACES II. Neither the Family APGAR nor the SRRS was associated with influenza B infection. It was concluded that family functioning affects the frequency of influenza B infection within families. This finding raises the possibility that family dysfunction may lead to altered immune responses, which increases susceptibility to infection.