Assessment of family functionality status among patients with mental illness at a tertiary health facility in rivers state, Nigeria

Context: Family functionality is the extent to which the patterns of family are effective and useful in achieving cordial relationship. A functional family relationship is vital for coping with mental stress. Aim: This study aimed to assess the family functionality status of patients with mental illness. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional design was employed in this study. Patients with mental illness were selected through systematic sampling from the mental health outpatient clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Rivers State. Materials and Methods: Family functionality status was assessed using the family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve questionnaire, a validated and study instrument. Statistical Analysis Used: Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed using Predictive Analytics Software version 20. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study consists of 151 patients, with a male–to-female ratio of 1:1.2. Functional family relationship was reported in 99 (65.6%) patients while severely and moderately dysfunctional relationships were noted in 12 (7.9%) and 40 (26.5%) patients, respectively. The prevalence of dysfunctional family relationship was highest among patients with mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use (58.3%). The differences in proportions of family functionality status across the diagnostic categories were not significant. Conclusions: The presence of dysfunctional family status among patients with mental illness in this study highlights the need to implement family therapies to promote functional family relationship in patients with mental illness.