Impact of the diagnosis of down syndrome in the maternal perspective

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35699/2316-9389.2023.37077

Keywords:

Down Syndrome, Pediatric Nursing, Family Health, Health Communication, Qualitative Research

Abstract

Objective: to understand maternal perceptions about the diagnosis of Down Syndrome (DS) of their children as children. Method: exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach carried out with 9 mothers of children with DS in a tertiary public hospital in the city of São Paulo. Data collection took place through individual and semi-structured interviews, guided by a script of topics. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis and considering the principles of anchoring and objectification of the Theory of Social Representations. Results: data were analyzed, and two main categories emerged: 1) maternal perceptions regarding communication of the child's DS diagnosis; and 2) maternal perceptions about the impact of the child's DS diagnosis, with interconnected subcategories. Conclusion: There was predominantly inadequate management by professionals when communicating the diagnosis of DS, which potentiated the emotional reactions of suffering, which were not restricted to the moment of the news. Reactions can be mitigated or enhanced with the experience of motherhood and with family and social interactions and with health professionals.

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Published

2023-07-24

Issue

Vol. 27 (2023)

Section

Research

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How to Cite

1.
Impact of the diagnosis of down syndrome in the maternal perspective. REME Rev Min Enferm. [Internet]. 2023 Jul. 24 [cited 2025 Dec. 24];27. Available from: https://periodicos.ufmg.br/index.php/reme/article/view/37077