ABSTRACT
Objectives
To investigate the therapeutic itinerary of children with Zika-associated microcephaly in the health care network; and describe the experience of mothers concerning the itinerary taken to treat their children.
Method
This study was guided by Thematic Oral History, conducted in a philanthropic public institution in João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. Ten mothers of children with microcephaly were interviewed from April to August 2017. The empirical material was subjected to thematic content analysis.
Results
Health professionals have difficulty diagnosing children with microcephaly, and they are not prepared to inform parents, compromising the therapeutic itinerary of these children. The experiences of mothers seeking treatment for their children are marked by stress, fear, disappointment caused by fragile family support network. This results in maternal overload.
Conclusion and implications for the practice
The restructuring of the flows and counterflows of the Health Care Network for children with microcephaly and their families becomes essential, as well as the strengthening of the support network for mothers.
Keywords:
Microcephaly; Zika Virus Infection; Maternal Exposure; Infant