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Published on: June 20, 2020

Examining the relationship between family functioning and healthy lifestyle behaviors in children with chronic

Sümeyye Özarslan1, Ulviye Günay1, Kenan Çetin2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|July 11, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Family functioning significantly impacts healthy lifestyle behaviors in children with chronic conditions like liver disease and epilepsy. Assessing family dynamics is crucial for supporting children

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Family Medicine
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Healthy lifestyle behaviors are vital for children's well-being.
  • Chronic illnesses in children can impact their lifestyle choices.
  • Family environment plays a role in shaping children's health behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between family functioning and healthy lifestyle behaviors.
  • To compare these relationships in healthy children versus those with chronic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive, cross-sectional correlational study design.
  • Inclusion of 379 children aged 7-18.
  • Data collection using demographic forms, Family Functioning Assessment Scale, and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale.
  • Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression.

Main Results:

  • 42.6% of participants were adolescents (12-17 years), 52.8% were girls.
  • 20.8% of children had chronic liver problems.
  • Overall family functioning and healthy lifestyle scores were at a medium-low level.
  • A significant positive relationship was found between family functioning and healthy lifestyle behaviors in children with chronic liver disease and epilepsy.

Conclusions:

  • Family functioning levels vary in children with chronic health issues and influence their lifestyle behaviors.
  • Holistic assessment of family functioning and lifestyle behaviors is essential for children with chronic illnesses.
  • Paediatric nurses should support family functioning to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in chronically ill children.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildChronic diseaseFamily relationsHealth behavior

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