Problemas de comportamento, coping da hospitalização e qualidade de vida em crianças

OBJECTIVE: To analyze behavioral problems, hospitalization coping and quality of life (QoL) in children hospitalized for chronic diseases, aged between five and seven years. METHODS: The sample consisted of 33 children, aged between 5 and 7 years, hospitalized in a university hospital due to chronic conditions in Cuiaba (MT), who answered individually the Kidcope and the Autoquestionnaire Qualite de Vie Enfante Image. The parents of the children in the sample answered the Child Behavior Checklist (1½-5 years and 6-18 years). In the analysis of the data followed the one recommended in each instrument. RESULTS: 71.4% of the youngest children were identified in the clinical range for behavioral problems, with emphasis on internalizing problems, and 52.6% of those between 6-7 years old, with a higher frequency for internalizing problems. The children dealt with hospitalization with coping strategies (EE) for emotional regulation and seeking social support (adaptive EE); but also with self-criticism and blaming others (EE maladaptive). The majority (59.26%) of the children presented a positive quality of life related to the family (M = 10.22, SD = 2.89) and function (school activities, meals) (M = 8.88; 3.06). CONCLUSIONS: This sample presented behavioral problems prior to hospitalization, related to anxiety and depression, common in chronic diseases. Associated with the presence of maladaptive EE, these problems indicate the need for attention to the mental health of hospitalized children, which may contribute to the improvement of their quality of life and health outcomes.