Objective:

To describe the familial functionality of dependent patients with heart failure with functional class II-C.

Methods:

A quantitative, cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 50 families, between September and October 2016, to obtain a measurement through the "Family Functionality Assessment Scale".

Results:

Between the level of schooling of the family informant and the level of family functionality (p = 0.006) was found a statistically significant association. In 38% of the participating families, the total family functionality showed a low level. The System Maintenance and change dimensions expose high levels of operation by 88% and 74% respectively, whereas the dimension of individuation presents 70% at a low level. The coherence dimension reveals 48% of high and intermediate levels of functionality. On the other hand, the goals of stability and control behave with high levels at 82% and 84%, while growth and spirituality were at intermediate levels. The patients concerning the study have a moderate and mild functional dependence. Ultimately, between the dependence of patients with heart failure and the level of functioning of their families, no statistically significant association was found.

Conclusions:

Families with members with moderate and mild functional heart failure have a low level of family functioning, which affects the family in fulfilling its role as a primary patient support network. It is necessary to continue research that broadens the information on the behaviour of sociodemographic factors associated with the functioning of the family with a member with heart failure.

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