Efeitos de um programa de fortalecimento de famílias nas práticas parentais, qualidade de vida, apoio social e vinculação

Abstract

Introduction: The Strong Families Project was a program based on the Strengthening Families Program (SFP 10-14), designed to improve family dynamics and reduce substance use and risk behaviors among adolescents, implemented in a municipality in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The scientific literature highlights the benefits of programs aimed at strengthening families in reducing risk behaviors in adolescents, such as substance use and involvement in acts of violence. However, there are still gaps in knowledge about the effects of these programs on aspects related to parenting practices, quality of life, and social support of participants. Objective: To analyze the effects of the Strong Families Program on parenting practices, quality of life, social support, and bonding of adolescents and family members. Methodology: A cross-sectional, analytical, and quantitative study was conducted with 129 parents/guardians and 132 adolescents participating in the program. Data were collected between March 2022 and July 2023, before participation in the first session (baseline) and after participation in the seventh session of the Project (follow-up), through a Sociodemographic Assessment Questionnaire, Medical Outcomes Study, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and Parenting Practices Scales. In the inferential analyses, the paired t-test was used to compare the scores obtained at baseline and follow-up. In all analyses, the significance level was set at 5%. A qualitative, exploratory study was also carried out, with an interpretative approach, using generic qualitative research as a methodological reference, in which 19 parents and 15 adolescents participating in the program were interviewed, focusing on the thematic analysis of their experiences, and the data were analyzed through thematic categorization. Results: The quantitative data showed, from the adolescents' perspective, an increase in the scores for 'Encouragement of autonomy' (from 5.1 to 5.9) and 'Intrusiveness' (from 10.1 to 11.2) in fathers; a decrease in 'Intrusiveness' (from 16.0 to 11.8) in mothers; and an increase in the levels of social support in the domains 'Emotional' (from 13.6 to 15.9), 'Information' (from 14.1 to 16.6) and 'Positive social interaction' (from 14.6 to 16.1). For parents, the scores for ‘Vitality’ (from 18.4 to 17.8) and ‘Mental health’ (from 38.2 to 37.2) of quality of life decreased, and the scores for the ‘Material’ (from 14.4 to 15.5) and ‘Affective’ (from 11.4 to 12.2) domains of social support increased. Four thematic categories emerged from the qualitative research: Perception of parental roles; Assertive conversation and communication; Strengthening family bonds; and Influence of religious practices on children’s education. The intervention proved to be important for strengthening family bonds, improving communication between parents and children, and learning skills to deal with risk situations. Conclusion: The study provides evidence of a strategy aimed at promoting the health of families and adolescents, based on public health policies, and provides relevant data for future adjustments and improvements in the use of family strengthening programs. Keywords: Adolescent; Family; Family Power; Social Support; Quality of Life; Nursing.