Nursing Interventions to Promote Child Development Through Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Theory

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the benefits and limitations of nursing interventions for the promotion of child development, according to the Bioecological Theory of Human Development, by Bronfenbrenner. Method: an integrative review, from the databases PubMed, Lilacs, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus, using the descriptors: "child development" AND "nurses" OR "nursing". No time limit was set for publications. The search was perfomed in September 2019 and update in March 2020. Results: 24 studies were selected for the final sample. The predominant type of study design was the clinical trial (60%). The home visit was the most used strategy (60%). Seven main themes emerged from the outcomes of the interventions: the child, maternal health, parenting skills, relationship between nurse and mother/father, use of social benefits, professional practice, and family violence. The process component was present in all studies, portraying the relevance of proximal interactions in the home environment. Only two interventions had no impact on any outcome. Conclusion: nursing interventions showed benefits in all outcomes, especially in outcomes related to children and parental practices, and improved situations of interaction between caregivers and children, reducing punitive practices and violence against children. It is essential to consider the bioecological perspective, so that nursing interventions, in promoting child development, are more effective.