title: Family structure and mothers' caregiving of children with cystic fibrosis.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation is to examine differences in the experiences of mothers of children with cystic fibrosis who are in diverse family structures (first-marriage families, stepfamily households, single-parent households). In particular, mothers' perceptions of children's health, adherence to prescribed treatments, and help received from others were compared and predictors of treatment adherence were examined. Children's health and adherence to treatment regimens were not related to family structure. Mothers had the major responsibility for seeing that cystic fibrosis treatments were followed, regardless of family structure. Single mothers received less help than married and repartnered mothers. Married fathers helped with treatments more than nonresidential divorced fathers and stepfathers. Implications for nursing practice and suggestions for future research are offered.
authors.affiliation: University of Missouri-Columbia, USA.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gayer
authors.forename: Lawrence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ganong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004243:Divorce / Q000523:psychology; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005220:Fathers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D015406:Single Parent / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States