Abstract
Objective
To learn the family stressors involved in the context of the congenital Zika syndrome from Betty Neuman’s systems model theory perspective.
Methods
Qualitative and exploratory study with 13 mothers of children affected by the disease. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in the outpatient clinic of a public hospital that is part of Pernambuco’s state health network. Data were analyzed using IRAMUTEQ software and applying the descending hierarchical classification technique, which originated a dendrogram. Betty Neuman’s systems model theory was used as a framework for discussing the data.
Results
The dendrogram originated five classes: family routine, care provided by health services, changes in lifestyle, support network, and social consequences of care for the family context.
Conclusion
The changes in family dynamics led to the identification of a family system characterized by multiple interactions with stressors. Recognizing the effects caused by these stressors is the main mechanism for adopting coping measures, which could provide family members with a stable system.
Child; Family; Microcephaly; Family relations; Zika virus infection; Mothers
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