Stressors and maternal Coping in Congenital Zika virus Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Congenital Zika virus Syndrome is characterized by a series of neurological changes bearing consequences for child development. In view of the large number of children born with microcephaly and other neurological disorders, this qualitative study sought to understand and review the coping strategies used by 10 mothers of children affected by the syndrome. Methods: A semi-structured interview was applied, which identified four main maternal stressors: diagnosis; childcare routine; child treatment; and development and access to health services. Results: The most used coping strategies with regard to these stressors were: information-seeking, problem-solving, and delegation. Conclusion: The implications of such results for the care of this population are discussed within the perspective of expanding the adaptive coping to these stressors and ensuring the necessary support for those families in the long and difficult process of taking care of a child with this syndrome.