Family Health Assessment: Health Behaviors and Functional Health Patterns
Upon completion of the interview, write a 750-1,000-word paper. Analyze your assessment findings. Your questionnaire should be submitted as an appendix to your assignment. Include the following in your paper:
1. Describe the family structure. Include individuals and any relevant attributes defining the family composition, race/ethnicity, social class, spirituality, and environment.
2. Summarize the overall health behaviors of the family. Describe the current health of the family.
3.Based on your findings, describe at least two of the functional health pattern strengths noted in the findings. Discuss three areas in which health problems or barriers to health were identified.
4. Describe how family systems theory can be applied to solicit changes in family members that, in turn, initiate positive changes to the overall family functions over time.
Cite at least three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources to complete this assignment. Sources should be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria
The chosen family consists of a married couple and their two children, and they identify as African American. The father is a software engineer and the wife works as a teacher. They belong to a middle-class social class, as they live in a suburban neighborhood in a spacious, single-family home. In terms of spirituality, the family attends a Baptist church regularly and values their faith. They also place a strong emphasis on health and wellness, prioritizing regular exercise and cooking meals at home. The children, however, struggle with picky eating and irregular sleep patterns.
The family has recently experienced a change in elimination patterns, as the wife has been experiencing constipation, which they are trying to manage through diet and lifestyle changes. They have not reported any significant cognitive or sensory-perception functioning concerns. The family has a positive self-perception and strong family relationships, with clear roles and responsibilities within the household. They place a high value on spending time together and prioritize their health and wellness, which is evident in their focus on sleep, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
The overall health behaviors of the family can be described as prioritizing and valuing health and wellness. They engage in regular exercise, cook meals at home, and place a high importance on getting enough sleep. The current health of the family is mixed. On one hand, they have a positive self-perception and prioritize their health and wellness, which is reflected in their healthy behaviors (Wright & Leahey, 2005). However, the wife has been experiencing constipation and the children have irregular sleep patterns and picky eating habits, which may impact their health in the long run. In general, the family has not reported any significant cognitive or sensory-perception functioning concerns, but it is important to monitor and address the constipation and other health challenges they are facing to maintain their overall well-being.
Strength and Weaknesses of Functional Health Patterns
Based on the findings, two of the functional health pattern strengths were noted. First, the family has high degree of health perception and management. To this end, the family has a positive self-perception and places a high value on health and wellness. They prioritize regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and getting enough sleep. This reflects their ability to manage and maintain their health, which is a strength (Olson, 2000). Second, the family prioritizes sleep and rest. From the interview, the family places a high importance on getting enough sleep, which is ess...