Validity and reliability of the family APGAR as a test of family function.

This paper offers evidence to support the use of the Family APGAR as a reliable, validated, utilitarian instrument to measure a subject's satisfaction with five components of family function. Mean total Family APGAR scores for several population groups are reported along with associated validity and reliability studies. A study from Taiwan supports the use of the Family APGAR in student populations 10 years of age and older. Studies are now under way to examine the use of the Family APGAR to correlate family function satisfaction with utilization of medical facilities, somatization, compliance, and the outcome of health problems.