The spread of the Zika virus in Brazil has led to a significant increase in newborns with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), which encompasses severe brain anomalies and developmental disabilities. This study analyzes the psychosocial and behavioral consequences experienced by mothers caring for children with CZS. The review investigates mental health impacts, including levels of anxiety, depression, and overall well-being; evaluates the role of informal and formal social support in mitigating psychological burdens; examines the influence of parental self-efficacy on mental health outcomes; assesses the impact of stigma and social isolation; identifies effective coping strategies and resilience factors; and proposes practical interventions and policy recommendations. Key findings reveal that mothers of children with CZS experience higher anxiety, fatigue, and lower quality of life compared to mothers of typically developing children. Both informal and formal social support significantly predicts better mental health outcomes and parental self-efficacy. However, gaps in support systems, compounded by stigma and isolation, exacerbate these challenges. Resilience and parental self-efficacy are critical mediating factors that can buffer the adverse effects of caregiving. Effective interventions include developing structured community-based support programs, enhancing access to healthcare and educational resources, public awareness campaigns to combat stigma, financial assistance policies, and comprehensive family support programs. These strategies are essential to improve the quality of life and mental health outcomes for families affected by CZS, providing the necessary support to help mothers navigate the complex challenges associated with caring for children with CZS.

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Mothers of Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome: Psychosocial and Behavioral Consequences

  • Tiago Jessé Souza de Lima,
  • Luana Elayne Cunha de Souza

摘要

The spread of the Zika virus in Brazil has led to a significant increase in newborns with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), which encompasses severe brain anomalies and developmental disabilities. This study analyzes the psychosocial and behavioral consequences experienced by mothers caring for children with CZS. The review investigates mental health impacts, including levels of anxiety, depression, and overall well-being; evaluates the role of informal and formal social support in mitigating psychological burdens; examines the influence of parental self-efficacy on mental health outcomes; assesses the impact of stigma and social isolation; identifies effective coping strategies and resilience factors; and proposes practical interventions and policy recommendations. Key findings reveal that mothers of children with CZS experience higher anxiety, fatigue, and lower quality of life compared to mothers of typically developing children. Both informal and formal social support significantly predicts better mental health outcomes and parental self-efficacy. However, gaps in support systems, compounded by stigma and isolation, exacerbate these challenges. Resilience and parental self-efficacy are critical mediating factors that can buffer the adverse effects of caregiving. Effective interventions include developing structured community-based support programs, enhancing access to healthcare and educational resources, public awareness campaigns to combat stigma, financial assistance policies, and comprehensive family support programs. These strategies are essential to improve the quality of life and mental health outcomes for families affected by CZS, providing the necessary support to help mothers navigate the complex challenges associated with caring for children with CZS.