Restriction of follow-up of premature infants in the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed approach

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the factors associated with restricting the follow-up of infants who were born premature and/or low birth weight during the COVID-19 pandemic and mothers’ and health professionals’ perception regarding this reality. Methods: This is mixed methods research with a parallel convergent design, carried out with 14 mothers of infants who were born premature and/or low birth weight, followed up at a follow-up outpatient clinic of a maternity hospital in a municipality in Paraíba, and four health professionals from this service. Data collection was carried out from June to July 2020, concomitantly, in a secondary data source, consisting of all 140 medical records of the respective infants for a quantitative approach, through a semi-structured interview, for a qualitative approach. Quantitative analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative analysis, according to inductive thematic analysis. Results: There was a significant association between infant age and the restriction of their follow-up during the pandemic, with prioritization of one-to-one care for children under six months of age, occasional contacts with family members, via phone call or digital application, and gaps in updating the vaccination schedule of those whose follow-up was interrupted. This generated dissatisfaction on the part of mothers and fear of harm to the development of infants. There was also no continuity of care for these in the Basic Health Unit. Conclusion: There were restrictions on follow-up of premature infants in the follow-up service during the pandemic, generating maternal dissatisfaction and fear of damage to the development of their children.