Theoretical care model for children with congenital Zika virus syndrome in the family context*

Abstract

Objective: to develop a theoretical model about the care of children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome in the family context. Method: the Straussian Grounded Theory and the theoretical/philosophical framework of Callista Roy and Leonardo Boff were used. It was carried out in northeastern Brazil, with 19 participants, in four sample groups. The data were collected and analyzed simultaneously, using the constant comparison method. Results: the theoretical model comprising the mother’s care for the child with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome in the family context is formed by five categories: revealing family care, centered on the mother, to the child with the syndrome; identifying the maternal bond that determines the care for children with the syndrome in the family context; identifying the factors that hinder the mother’s care for the child with the syndrome; recognizing the evolution of the child with the syndrome in the face of early stimulation care; and recognizing harms due to the absence of early stimulus to children with the syndrome. Conclusion: the phenomenon runs through the care of the child with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome, in the family context and centered on the mother, and is faced with the need for shared responsibility among the family members.