Classifying family/household problems

To investigate how family/household problems could be classified 186 problems recorded in 55 families by 14 Israeli family physicians were studied. Four major categories were used which included health problems in one family member affecting others in the household, relationship problems, social problems and health problems in more than one family member. Over half of the 186 problems were psychological or physical problems in the individual which affected other household members. Specific diagnostic titles from the International Classification of Health Problems in Primary Care (ICHPPC-2-Defined) were suitable to classify virtually all identified family/household problems. More problems were identified in mothers than in fathers or children and mothers were perceived as being affected most by social and relationship problems. Additional studies are suggested.