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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/185012
Perceptions and Emotional State of Mothers of Children with and without Microcephaly after the Zika Virus Epidemic in Rural Caribbean Colombia
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"Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause neurological manifestations such as microcephaly. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of ZIKV and mental health in women exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy in Colombia. This was
a mixed-methods study based on structured interviews and
psychological tests. Structured interviews were transcribed and
analysed with Atlas Ti software. A grounded theory approach was
applied. Quantitative analysis was performed with Statistical
Package for Social Science, SPSS, V. 20. The study was approved
by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad de Cordoba, Monteria.
Seventeen women participated in the study; nine of them were
mothers of children with microcephaly. Maternal age ranged from
16 to 41 years old. The main themes discussed during interviews
were: feelings, support, sources of information, and
consequences on children's health. Women with children affected
by microcephaly showed worse mental health compared to women
with normocephalic children. Maternal mental health worsened
after 24 months from giving birth. Perceptions regarding disease
severity and lack of knowledge were considered to affect
maternal mental health. Social support and spirituality were key
determinants for caregivers. Future research is needed to
further study coping mechanisms and mental health outcomes over
time by affected populations."
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ROMERO ACOSTA, Kelly Carolina, et al. Perceptions and Emotional State of Mothers of Children with and without Microcephaly after the Zika Virus Epidemic in Rural Caribbean Colombia. Behavioral sciences. 2020. Vol. 10, num. 10, pags. 147. ISSN 2076-328X. [consulted: 18 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/185012