Specialized care services for children with congenital zika virus syndrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a social network analysis

Abstract

In 2015 the correlation between increasing numbers of cases of microcephaly and a zika virus outbreak led to recognition of an epidemic of congenital zika virus syndrome (CZVS), highlighting well-known weaknesses in health care measures. This article examines the network of virtual information available on health service provision for children suffering from CZVS in Rio de Janeiro. Using social media analysis, data on information about services and care institutions were collected from virtual sources using the Google search engine, so as to assess relations among these actors in 2018. The results revealed a fragmented network centred on virtual sources and secondary and tertiary public care services, with striking proximity of press sources to public services. Also salient was the isolation of private services and the lack of dialogue between philanthropic and public services. Moreover, the information offered was found to be insufficient and superficial, despite the gaps in the formal rehabilitation network. The evidence thus suggested the importance of a well-established health care service network and the necessity of fostering communication through virtual media.

Key words:
Zika virus; Microcephaly; Social networking; Access to information; Health service accessibility