Congenital zika syndrome and family impacts: an integrative review

Abstract

In 2015, a range of congenital anomalies resulting from mother-to-child transmission of the zika virus emerged. Later called congenital zika syndrome (CZS), the condition includes microcephaly. Since then, around 4,000 children have been affected in 27 countries, with Brazil accounting for the largest proportion of cases. Family caregivers have also been affected. This study analyzes the literature on caregivers of children with CZS and how the disease has affected their everyday lives. We conducted an integrative review using the PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and Embase databases. Thirty-one articles were identified for analysis after screening. The findings were grouped into four categories: a) social impacts - changes in family relationships, life projects, and social life; b) subjective impacts - feelings of resilience, loneliness, grief, overburdening, fear, uncertainty, and spirituality and religion; c) economic and material impacts - loss of income, increased household expenses, change of residence, and unemployment; and d) health impacts - service unpreparedness, selflessness, self-care, changes in nutritional and sleep patterns, and mental health problems, including stress, anxiety and depression.