Family function, respiratory illness, and otitis media in urban black infants

Associations between maternal perceptions of family functioning and rates of infant presentation for respiratory illness and otitis media were analyzed using data collected prospectively in a sample of 114 urban black mother-infant pairs. Family functioning was evaluated using the Family APGAR, truncated versions of Olson's FACES II cohesion and adaptability subscales, and a shortened version of Hudson's Index of Family Relationships. Lower maternal scores of family function were significantly associated with higher rates of physician visits for infant respiratory illness and otitis media during the first 15 months of life. This correlation persisted when controlled for breast feeding. Maternal perceptions of family function, including those tested antenatally, may be useful in identifying infants in similar populations who are at risk for increased frequency of visits to the family physician for respiratory illness and otitis media.