Congenital zika virus syndrome: Knowledge and how to communicate the diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: to know how mothers affected by the Zika virus during pregnancy became aware on the diagnosis of Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome in their child and to understand the way in which the communication of the diagnosis was transmitted. Method: a qualitative approach study, with interpretative research, based on the Resilience, Stress, Adjustment and Family Adaptation Model. The research was conducted in a Specialized Rehabilitation Center in a city of Paraíba (Brazil), from June to November 2017, with 40 mothers of children with congenital Zika virus syndrome. The empirical material was produced from a semi-structured script developed by the researcher, related to the different phases and components of the adaptation and resilience process. The findings were submitted to content analysis. Results: two thematic categories were unveiled: The discovery of Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome: period of diagnosis and maternal expectations, and How to communicate the diagnosis: implications for the discovery of Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome. Conclusion: Communication of the diagnosis and professional conduct at the time of information play important roles in re-signifying the meaning of congenital malformation. The interaction established by the health professional and their posture are directly related to the satisfaction about the information received.