Development of premature children: caregivers' understanding according to the Bioecological Theory

Abstract

Objective: Understanding the conceptions of premature children caregivers on child development and associated factors. Method: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study of 12 families with children under three years of age. Interviews were submitted to thematic content analysis, systematized into the categories of Bioecological Theory of Human Development: Process, Person, Context and Time, and in the Functional Development category. Results: There are concerns about impairment in the current and future development of a Person/child defined as fragile as a result of premature birth (Time dimension), minimized by the scope of observable competencies such as motor skills. The Context, especially family and health services, and Proximal Processes, described as one-way caregiver interactions, are considered determinants of development. Functional Development is considered a natural consequence and result of education. The support network is crucial, supporting or limiting care. Conclusion: Concerns about the development mobilize caregivers to stimulate the premature child/person and requests family and healthcare assistance.

Estratégias metodológicas para elaboração de material educativo: em foco a promoção do desenvolvimento de prematuros

“…The use of the PPCT model of the Bioecological Theory of Human Development 23 in systematizing the results of the research with the families of preterm children 34 and the literature review was consistent with the objective of supporting the family through the creation of educational material for the care and promotion of the development of the premature child. This is because the promotion of child development is an effect of the Proximal Processes established between the Persons interacting in Contexts and Time 23 .…”

“…Lemos e Veríssimo, 2015 34 Interacting with other children at home, in the neighborhood, or at daycare.…”

“…Ill-treatment and lack of affection. Lemos e Veríssimo, 2015 34 Too much and hasty expectation about development, and/ or comparison with other children.…”

“…Lemos e Veríssimo, 2015 34 Lundqvist et al, 2014 35 Hall et al, 2013 36 Restrictive care for the child's independence and overprotection.…”

“…Lemos e Veríssimo, 2015 34 Whittingham et al, 2014 41 Morais et al, 2009 42 Souza et al, 2010 25 Speech, thought or negative influence of persons close or external, on the child and its development.…”