Microcephaly in the Maternal-Child Life Cycle

Abstract

Microcephaly is characterized by a complex etiology, in addition to being associated with congenital Zika virus infection, being caused by environmental, genetic factors, metabolism diseases, as well as by the use of drugs and maternal diseases during the gestational period. This study aimed to know the microcephaly in the maternal-child life cycle in the Cariri region and its repercussion on maternal mental health. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive research with a quantitative-qualitative approach, delineated through a descriptive study in the formal statistical analysis for quantitative results. Schutze’s narrative was used for qualitative analysis. The study was carried out in inland Ceara in a reference unit for children with microcephaly. Thirteen mothers were interviewed, who have children with microcephaly due to ZIKAV, who had contact with the virus during the fertile period during pregnancy. The profile of the study subject showed that maternal education corresponds to secondary education, 23.1%, with Pardo selfreported colour 92.3%, married marital status 61.5%, with 46.2% as housekeeper occupation, and the mean age of 29.38% (range: 15 to 41 years). The results showed that there is a difference between living conditions of families, knowledge about Zika virus and mothers’ feelings about this pathology. Therefore, public policies and health education should be implemented in relation to ZIKAV, in an attempt to reduce cases of microcephaly in the NE of Brazil.