Integrative Review for Factors Related to Family Functioning in the Family Living with the Children with Thalassemia

Abstract

other words, family functioning shows the adaptive ability of the whole family in terms of how the family manages the care of children living with thalassemia and the extent to which they are able to incorporate thalassemia into their daily lifes. 3,4 By achieving a high level of family functioning, this will result in the family providing the best care for children living with thalassemia resulting in a healthy well-being for children. 5 However, there is widespread recognition that caring for Abstract This integrative review aimed to synthesize factors related to family functioning in families living with children with thalassemia. CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched for articles published from 2008 to 2019. Eleven studies involving 1,613 participants were included. The five factors identified comprised spirituality, illness belief, health literacy, social interaction and communication, and social and family support. The factor regarding social and family support was a significant factor resulting in a healthy level of family functioning. Family was the primary support system for children living with thalassemia and their whole family. Interestingly, illness belief, spirituality and magic as a source of family power, could lessen the burden and allow a stronger sense of control to transcend through difficult times. These five factors should be integrated in interventions designed to enhance family functioning. However, different cultures in each region should be considered while planning for intervention to enhance family functioning.