Family polyvictimization in households with parental health conditions: a cross-sectional study of disparities and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Families with parents with health conditions often experience socioeconomic hardship, caregiving strain, and elevated exposure to family violence. However, differences in family polyvictimization (FPV) between these families and those without health conditions remain underexplored. This study examined disparities in FPV exposure and associated family-level risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted with 1,400 Hong Kong families with children under 18. Measures included FPV (FPV Screen), social support (MSPSS), family hierarchy (PRP), health (SF-12v2, PedsQoL), and mental health (DASS-21). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between family characteristics and having parents with health conditions, as well as differences in FPV exposure between the two family groups. RESULTS: Families with parents with health conditions had significantly higher FPV prevalence, with elder victimization remaining significant after adjustment (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.08-3.29). These families also showed greater odds of co-occurring disadvantages, including caregiving responsibilities for children with special educational needs (aOR = 3.81) or older relatives (aOR = 1.71), lower household income (aOR = 1.71), reduced physical functioning (aOR = 0.93), limited social support (aOR = 0.83), and heightened exposure to violence socialization (aOR = 1.48). CONCLUSIONS: FPV is more prevalent in families with parents with health conditions, especially when combined with caregiving strain, economic disadvantage, and relational stress. These findings support integrating FPV screening and family-centered support into disability and caregiving services, with attention to elder victimization and low-social-support households.