Perception of Family Careers about Microcephalia: an Analysis through Adaptation Theory

Abstract Ultimately, there has been an increase in the number of cases of newborns affected by microcephaly, knowledge of the caregiver's perceptions regarding the child with microcephaly may promote the construction of therapeutic plans by health professionals that meet the expressed current needs of the child and caregivers. Thus, the aim of the present study is to describe the perception of family caregivers about microcephaly, using Callista Roy's adaptation theory. The research is descriptive, exploratory and with qualitative approach and was conducted at a School Clinic, located in the municipality of Juazeiro do Norte. The research participants were family caregivers of children diagnosed with microcephaly. Minayo's thematic analysis was used, supported by Roy's adaptation theory. Through data analysis two categories emerged: Knowledge and perception of family caregivers about microcephaly and family as support to cope with difficulties. It was observed that mothers, faced with the condition of their son with microcephaly, tend to develop a certain level of adaptation to make the situation less traumatic, making use of available social, medical care and family devices. Therefore, it is emphasized that health professionals need to act effectively in care, facilitating and strengthening effective adaptive responses. Keywords: Microcephaly, child, family caregiver, Nursing Theories. Resumo Nos ultimos anos, o numero de casos de recem-nascidos acometidos por microcefalia aumentou vertiginosamente, o conhecimento das percepcoes do cuidador em relacao a crianca com microcefalia pode fomentar a construcao de planos terapeuticos por parte dos profissionais de saude que atendam as necessidades vigentes expressas da crianca e dos cuidadores. Assim, objetivo do presente estudo e descrever a percepcao dos cuidadores familiares acerca da microcefalia, a luz da teoria da adaptacao de Callista Roy. A pesquisa e descritiva, exploratoria e com abordagem qualitativa. A pesquisa foi conduzida em uma Clinica Escola, localizada no municipio de Juazeiro do Norte. Os participantes da pesquisa foram cuidadores familiares de criancas com diagnostico de microcefalia. Utilizou-se a analise tematica de Minayo, sendo sustentada pela teoria da adaptacao de Roy. Atraves da analise dos dados surgiram duas categorias: Conhecimento e percepcao dos cuidadores familiares sobre a microcefalia e a familia como apoio no enfrentamento das dificuldades. Observou-se que as maes, frente a condicao do filho com microcefalia, tendem a desenvolver certo nivel de adaptacao para tornar a situacao menos traumatica, valendo-se dos dispositivos sociais, assistenciais e familiares disponiveis. Destaca-se, portanto, que os profissionais da saude precisam atuar de forma eficaz na assistencia, facilitando e fortalecendo as respostas adaptativas eficazes. Palavras-Chave: Microcefalia, crianca, cuidador familiar, Teorias de Enfermagem