Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System
Published on: October 16, 2013
Validity of the Family APGAR in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
R E Gwyther1, E J Bentz, D A Drossman
1Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Background:
This study explores the validity of the Family APGAR (adaptability, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve), a test of family function, in persons with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Previous studies have reported increased stress in persons with IBS in the form of marital and interpersonal relationships.
Methods:
The Family APGAR and the MMPI were completed by 198 persons, including 58 who sought care for IBS, 67 with IBS who did not seek care, and 73 who did not have the disorder. Family APGAR scores were compared for the three groups using analysis of variance. Multiple regression analysis was used to compare Family APGAR scores with both IBS group status and MMPI K and L scales. An odds ratio was calculated for the two groups with IBS.
Results:
Mean Family APGAR scores were in the normal range for all three groups and differed by less than 1 point among the groups. The Family APGAR score did not differentiate among persons with IBS but was strongly related to the MMPI K score, a measure of defensiveness in test taking.
Conclusions:
The failure of the Family APGAR to detect the family dysfunction found by psychological interviewing and the strong relationship with the MMPI K scale lead us to question the construct validity of the APGAR. More sophisticated test construction is necessary to measure family dysfunction in patients who may tend to respond defensively.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome