Date of Award
Fall 1989
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Brown, Ardene J.
Second Advisor
Hennessey, Jean
Third Advisor
Riesch, Susan
Abstract
Lead poisoning is a disease which continues to be a significant source of morbidity in childhood. Substandard housing is not the only factor which contributes to the persistence of lead poisoning. A review of literature indicates that family functioning can also be a contributing factor. Nursing has limited information which supports a relationship between family functioning and lead poisoning in childhood. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between family functioning and elevated blood lead levels in children between one and ten years. The conceptual framework for this study was based on the concept of family functioning. This concept describes how the family relates not only among its own members but to the larger society as well. Families are able to function more effectively with interpersonal and societal supports. The Feetham Family Functioning Survey, a nursing instrument which is conceptually based in family functioning theory, was used to assess families. The sample was a convenience sample of thirty mothers who were enrolled in an urban pediatric clinic. All of the mothers were single parents who had a child with an elevated blood lead level. The scores of the Feetham Family Functioning Survey were interpreted using a correlational technique, the Pearson r. The result was r = .012. A scatter diagram was used to illustrate the direction and magnitude of the relationship between family functioning and elevated blood lead levels. The study did not demonstrate a strong relationship between poor family functioning and elevated blood lead levels in a child. Further investigations are recommended. Nursing needs to continue to emphasize that a hazardous housing environment is still a primary risk factor in lead poisoning for young children.
Recommended Citation
Scahill, Michael G., "The Relationship Between Family Functioning and Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children Between the Ages of One and Ten Years" (1989). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3499.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3499