Quality of Life of Mothers of Children With Congenital Syndrome Affected by Zika Virus

Abstract

Objective: To investigate how mothers of children with congenital syndrome (microcephaly) associated with Zika virus perceive their quality of life. Methods: This is a qualitative study carried out in two stages: at the Maternal and Child University Hospital and at Casa de Apoio Ninar through semi-structured interviews with mothers of children with congenital syndrome associated with Zika virus. Ten women comprised the sample. Results: In line with the critical discourse analysis, four categories emerged based on Fairclough’s 2008 assumptions: Quality of Life and Health - quality of life perception associated with the broad meaning of the term health; Quality of Life and Health Care Systems - characterized by care instability and fragmentation; Quality of Life and Free Time - lack of free time for activities of daily living and leisure; Quality of Life and Future Perspectives - lack of future perspective, considering that most participants had to stop working and studying to take care of their children. Conclusions: Mothers of children with congenital syndrome associated with Zika virus are devoted to their children’s care. Their lack of prospects was considered a consequence of the lack of time for activities of daily living and leisure.

Access to information on oral hygiene and mothers' practices of children with microcephaly caused by Zika virus

“…Moreover, this education directed also to the family aims at the adoption of healthier habits so that the new practices of those responsible for the children serve as an example for them and stimulate them. All the practices performed by them are the result of the information absorbed 9,30,31 …”

“…All the practices performed by them are the result of the information absorbed. 9,30,31 Access to oral health information for mothers was associated with better oral hygiene practices. These practices resulted in more frequent brushing and use of various effective means of removing the oral biofilm.…”

Musculoskeletal pain and quality of life in mothers of children with microcephaly, due to congenital Zika virus syndrome

“…Taking care of a child with neurological disorders, in addition to domestic responsibilities, increases marital and financial difficulties and predisposes these mothers to social isolation, reducing their time to perform personal care and leisure. Therefore, the appearance of depressive symptoms, psychiatric disorders, anxiety and high levels of stress is common, which can impair quality of life (Braccialli et al, 2012; Bulhões et al, 2020; Costa et al, 2021; Romero‐Acosta et al, 2020; Santos et al, 2018; Santos, Ortoni, et al, 2021; Williams et al, 2021), trigger the emergence of muscle tensions and cause musculoskeletal pain in these women. In addition, it is noticed that there is a network of attention and care always focused on the child with microcephaly and its clinical condition, neglecting the health and well‐being of these mothers, predisposing them to have losses in personal, economic, professional and social fields (Campos et al, 2020; Menezes et al, 2019), which can negatively affect their physical and mental health.…”