Prevalence and factors associated with family dysfunction in patients at the first level of care

Introduction: Family functionality influences the health-disease process, which is why its importance in the first level of care is highlighted. There is no conclusive evidence on the factors that influence family dysfunction in patients treated at the First Level of Care. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with family dysfunction in patients treated at the First Level of Care. Methods: Cross-sectional study of secondary data analysis in patients treated in 7 primary care establishments in Lima, Peru in 2019. The Family Apgar questionnaire was used, and its association with demographic-socioeconomic factors was investigated. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated through simple and multiple regression models. Results: Of 150 patients, the majority were women (81.3%) and the median age was 32 years. 14% presented family dysfunction. Patients with access to water service had a lower prevalence of family dysfunction (PR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.001-0.47). Living between 1 and 10 years in Lima represented a lower prevalence of family dysfunction; compared with patients recently arrived in the capital (less than 1 year) (PR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04- 0.62). Conclusions: The prevalence of family dysfunction in patients treated at the primary care level was low. Having access to water service and residing between 1 and 10 years in the capital influenced a lower prevalence of family dysfunction.