The examination of family functioning in immunodeficiency patients in the context of McMaster family therapy in Turkey

ABSTRACT

Immunodeficiency diseases associated with the absence or dysfunction of any of the components that make up the immune system. These diseases may create difficulties for family functionality. The study aims to examine family functionality in the context of McMaster Family Therapy in families with immunodeficiency patients. The study include 153 family members from Immunodeficiency Patients Solidarity Platform in Turkey. The sociodemographic questionnaire and McMaster Family Assessment Device were used to collect data with respect to problem solving, communication, roles, affective responsiveness and involvement, behaviour control, and general functioning. The majority of the participants are married, females, university graduates and low income. Most of them have nuclear families and a diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency in children. Areas of non-healthy family functionality include affective involvement and behaviour control. Also, problem-solving, roles, and communication create risks in terms of dysfunction.

KEYWORDS:

• Family functionality
• McMaster family therapy
• social work with families
• immunodeficiency
• immunodeficiency patients

Acknowledgments

We thank Patients Solidarity Platform for conducting this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Upon reasonable request, the corresponding author will provide the data that backs the study’s results.

Additional information

Funding

The authors have no funding to report.

Notes on contributors

Cemre Pak Gül

Cemre Pak Gül, MSc, She received her undergraduate degree from Baskent University, Department of Psychology. She completed his master’s degree at Ankara University, Department of Interdisciplinary Family Counseling. She works as a psychologist in a private hospital in Turkey.

Merve Deniz Pak Güre

Merve Deniz Pak Güre, PhD, She completed her undergraduate education in Başkent University, Department of Healthcare Management in 2015 and Social Work in 2016. She completed her master’s degree in Başkent University Social Work and Ankara University Interdisciplinary Family Counseling Departments in 2017. She finished her doctorate education at Hacettepe University, Department of Social Work. She has been working as a faculty member in Başkent University Social Work Department.

Veli Duyan

Veli Duyan, PhD, He graduated from Hacettepe University, Department of Social Work in 1987. He received his master’s degree in 1992 and his doctorate degree in 1997 in Social Work Department. He is working as a faculty member in Ankara University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Social Work Department.