Nursing intervention on a Mexican family with risk factors for chronic and degenerative illnesses

Abstract

Introduction: Family, as a society, has direct influences on the habits and customs of its members. Along the times, the familial structure and dynamics have been changing; for example, regarding to its practices and behaviors such as food preparation and consumption, recreation, and physical activities. Diabetes mellitus and blood hypertension are the main chronic and de - generative illnesses related to sedentary and unhealthy eating life styles.

Objective: To provide health education to a specific family so that it can improve its self-care and health behaviors, as a result of its eating habits, physical activity, and chronic and degenerative illnesses prevention knowledge enhancement.

Methods: The familial structure, development, and dynamics were assessed using the Calgary & Friedman model. After the detection of actual and potential problems, an education intervention focused on healthy eating habits, physical activity, and chronic and degenerative illnesses risk factors addressing, was developed.

Results: This family acquired the corresponding knowledge, and engaged into an unhealthy ha- bits modification.

Discussion: Assessing families is useful for nursing professionals in order to identify unhealthy behaviors as well as trans-generational illness patterns.

Conclusions: In order to obtain results such as habits and life style modifications, it is necessary to continue following the education intervention up.