FACTORS INFLUENCING FAMILY PARTICIPATION IN A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY - COMPARISON OF PEDIATRIC AND HEALTHY SAMPLES

Compared participation levels in a longitudinal study of parent-child relationships from infancy to 4 years in families of children with cys tic fibrosis, congenital heart disease, and with no chronic illness. D emographic (parent's age, education) and child, parent, and family var iables (medical status, family environment) were investigated for thei r predictive value of families' participation. 34% of families (71/209 ) were lost to the study at a later date. Families of children with cy stic fibrosis were the least likely to be lost. Parents' age and/or ed ucation predicted participation in all groups. Families in both pediat ric samples participated less when parental well-being was less optima l, and the level of mother-infant attachment organization was lower. U nlike demographic factors, family factors have differential impact on participation in families in pediatric and nonpediatric samples.