Published November 3, 2016 | Version v2.0.0
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Family Functioning Predicts BMI and Biochemical Levels of Youths with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

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Abstract

Background: Family functioning is associated with obesity-related chronic illnesses and impedes effective treatment of weight-related conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objectives: Evaluate the utility of a brief screening measure of family functioning among youth ages 8 to 18 being treated in a specialty care clinic for NAFLD. Methods: Thirty-nine youths and their caregivers participated. Relations between family functioning and anthropometric and biochemical variables assessed 3 to 6 months later, were evaluated using regression analyses, controlling for child age, gender, and ethnicity. Results: Family functioning was related to significantly higher body mass index and levels of cholesterol, HbA1c, and glucose, but not serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)a marker of NAFLDcontrolling for baseline levels. The magnitudes of effects were medium for models of body mass index (Cohens f2=.29), cholesterol (.32), and blood glucose (.30) and small to medium for HbA1c (.23) and ALT (.10). Conclusions: This is the first study to examine the role of family functioning in youth with NALFD. Treatment programs might consider screening for family functioning to identify families that could benefit from a family-centered behavioral intervention.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Sara St. George and Jodi Polaha for their comments on an earlier version of the manuscript; the research support team at Phoenix Childrens Hospital; and the families that participated in our study.

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Identifiers

ARK
ark:/c8131/g31k68

Funding

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
An Individually Tailored, Family-Centered Intervention for Childhood Obesity: Connecting Services in Pediatric Primary Healthcare, the Home, and the Community DP006255
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Award number DA027828 DA027828
Department of Health and Human Services
Award number SM60563-40 SM60563-40