Introduction
A family assessment reflects a complete effort to obtain insight into the dynamics of this familial unit. This evaluation strives to give a comprehensive and impartial review, recognizing not just the family’s concerns and issues but also its intrinsic strengths, deeply established beliefs, and ultimate ambitions. This assessment aims to provide a complete understanding of the family’s existence by diving into numerous facets of their lives,
Family Structure
The family lives in a single-family home in a small suburban area. The family unit comprises four people: the husband (referred to as D. P.), the wife (referred to as M. P.), and their twin daughters (A. P. and L. P.). D. P. and M. P. are both White, so they do not deal with any cultural concerns. Their spirituality does not play an essential role in their lives. Their socioeconomic class is defined by a solid but relatively insufficient income, necessitating full-time jobs for both parents; the family thus belongs to the lower-middle class.
D. P. is a truck driver, and M. P. is a nurse at a neighboring hospital; their full-time jobs lead to work-related stress. Their surroundings are noticeable for being suburban, which is a relatively secure housing situation. Their house has modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing and modern kitchen equipment. They rely on a central HVAC system to control the internal environment. The family confronts occasional clutter and neglect in maintaining their living area.
Regarding family responsibilities, D. P. is considered the head of the household, although critical choices are made cooperatively. M. P. wields considerable power over family decisions and domestic affairs. The family’s roles are somewhat defined, with M. P. often preparing supper and D. P. assisting with grocery shopping and occasionally contributing to meal preparation. Chores are shared among family members, indicating a collaborative attitude toward household maintenance. Both parents actively participate in parental responsibilities, such as assisting their twin girls with homework.
Health Behaviors
Several troubling tendencies emerge in the family’s health behaviors. Their attitude toward health is careless, as they downplay health concerns and rarely seek medical help, preferring to think that problems will resolve themselves. This mindset leads to inadequate preventative healthcare and early intervention (Rector & Stanley, 2022).
Regarding substance abuse, D. P. drinks alcohol in social situations on occasion, but not excessively. On the other hand, M. P.’s smoking habit poses a substantial health danger. Smoking is a proven cause of various health concerns, including respiratory disorders and cancer(Schabath & Cote, 2019). Her smoking and her husband’s hereditary hypercholesterolemia complicate their health concerns.
The family’s eating habits are likewise subpar. Their effort to improve their diet by including more fruits and vegetables is a welcome beginning. However, their cabinet full of sugary treats suggests that more thorough nutritional modifications are required. This, paired with a proclivity for fast food, may contribute to their weight problems and M. P.’s type II diabetes (Maldonado-Pereira et al., 2022). The family’s approach to physical activity looks erratic: while they encourage their twin girls to participate in extracurricular activities, late nights and excessive screen usage are prevalent, harming children’s health. It is worth noting that limited financial resources may limit their access to healthy living options.
Strengths and Barriers
Functional Health Pattern Strengths
This family’s attempt to enhance their diet is a remarkable functional health pattern strength. Recognizing the significance of a well-balanced diet, they actively attempt to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their meals and reduce their reliance on fast food (Maldonado-Pereira et al., 2022). This demonstrates a dedication to improving their food habits, an essential element of general health. Furthermore, the fact that they encourage their twin girls to participate in extracurricular sports illustrates their understanding of the importance of physical form in their family’s health.
The family’s joint approach to decision-making and responsibility is another source of strength. While D. P. is the head of the family, critical decisions are made collaboratively, and both parents share domestic tasks. This cooperative dynamic fosters a supportive home environment, benefiting their mental and emotional health. Furthermore, parents actively participate in parenting responsibilities. Shared parenting promotes togetherness and guarantees that the twins receive attention and care.
Barriers to Health
Firstly, this family’s attitude toward healthcare is a massive obstacle to health. They minimize health issues and avoid obtaining medical assistance until it is essential. This method may result in delayed detection and treatment of medical disorders, causing health problems to worsen over time. It also contributes to a lack of preventive healthcare and early intervention, both critical for adequately managing chronic illnesses (Rector & Stanley, 2022). They must change their thinking and ascribe to frequent check-ups and proactive health management.
Secondly, D. P. and M. P. both have obesity-related health problems. M. P. suffers from type II diabetes, while D. P. suffers from familial hypercholesterolemia. Obesity is a significant risk factor for various health issues; addressing their weight concerns should be a top priority, not just for their health but also to provide an excellent example for their children. The presence of sugary foods in their cupboard indicates a need for healthier eating habits.
Thirdly, work-related stress is another issue this family suffers from since both parents work long hours. This can lead to physical and mental health problems, such as stress, weariness, and less time for family activities (Yu & Leka, 2022). Workplace stress can also influence their capacity to make health-conscious decisions and make time for preventative healthcare actions. Stress management approaches can reduce the detrimental impact of their demanding work schedules on their health and family life.
Conclusion
To conclude, the family assessment of the family has shed light on the many nuances of their familial relationship and health. Although the family faces notable health issues that are related to obesity, they are making an effort to improve their nutrition. By dissecting the nuances of their experiences, this evaluation underlines the holistic approach vital to understanding any family’s essence.
References
Maldonado-Pereira, L., Barnaba, C., De Los Campos, G., & Medina-Meza, I. G. (2022). Evaluation of the nutritional quality of ultra‐processed foods (ready to eat + fast food): Fatty acids, sugar, and sodium. Journal of Food Science, 87(8), 3659–3676. Web.
Rector, C., & Stanley, M. J. (2022). Community and public health nursing. LWW.
Schabath, M. B., & Cote, M. L. (2019). Cancer progress and priorities: Lung cancer. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 28(10), 1563–1579. Web.
Yu, J., & Leka, S. (2022). Where is the limit for overtime? Impacts of overtime on employees’ mental health and potential solutions: A qualitative study in China. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. Web.