Produção de sentidos parentais no cuidado de crianças com microcefalia por vírus Zika

Abstract

Objective: To identify parental needs with respect to the care for the development of infants and children with microcephaly caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV). Methods: Qualitative research conducted at a treatment and early stimulation center of the Federal University of Ceará, in Fortaleza, Brazil, in July 2016. A total of 23 guardians, either parents or relatives, of children diagnosed with Zika-induced microcephaly took part in the study, having their data collected by means of focus groups and analyzed through content analysis. Results: The participants reported the need for greater attention, understanding and psychosocial support from the institution and professionals involved; for more knowledge of the general context of the child’s condition; and health education interventions with continuous follow-up focused on the real needs of the children and their families. Conclusion: The results evidenced the absence of and the urgent need for the development and implementation of health-related strategies and actions that favor the active and humanized listening of families, reduce the negative impact caused by the children’s situation within the families and enable a greater and better development of infants and children with Zika virusinduced microcephaly.