Classification of Families Types, by Caniço and Fernandes: A Validation Study
Hernâni Caniço *
Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
Susana Lopes
UCSP - Health Center of Sertã, Portugal.
Rui Fernandes
USF Manuel Cunha – Health Center of S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra, Portugal.
Ana Cristina Rosa
Mathematics Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
Maria Emília Nogueira
Mathematics Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Validate the Classification of Families Types, by Caniço and Fernandes, according to overall structure/dynamics (21), conjugal relationship (6) and parental relationship (7), proposed by Caniço, et al, in the book "New Types of Family Care Plan”, in which 5 types of family are original (pregnant, inbred, multiple, parent-centered, and non-objective). Understand its importance, in clinical practice, for creating an individual and family care plan adapted to contemporary families.
Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of 1400 UCSP patients of UCSP Dr. Manuel da Cunha, S. Martinho do Bispo Health Center. Data collected by the authors of the study, through consultation of the family clinical process, interview and application of the questionnaire "Healthy Apgar", chapter "Family". Statistical analysis, descriptive and inferential, elaborated using IBM SPSS® software.
Results: All defined family types were identified, characterized and statistically proven, with a higher frequency of nuclear families (family structure / dynamics), companionship and modern (marital relationship) and balanced/stable (parental relationship).
Conclusions: The new Classification of Families Types meets validation criteria once all family types have been statistically tested. The present study added credibility and statistical reliability to the relationships that were empirically already performed in the clinical setting. This is endowed with interest in pre/post graduate education and in the clinical practice of Family Physicians, by the demonstrated adaptation to contemporary families, their evaluation and creation of individual and family care plan.
Keywords: Family types, validation, family studies, familosophy, family structure, marital relationship, parental relationship, care plan