Banca de DEFESA: ANA CLARA SANTOS ALVES DE OLIVEIRA FREITAS

EFFECTS OF ZIKA VIRUS INFECTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN WITHOUT MICROCEPHALY

congenital infection; neurodevelopment, intellectual disability

This final work was developed to investigate the effects of congenital viral infections on neurodevelopment and present ways of identification through the assessment of neuropsychomotor development. The study is part of the completion of the Professional Master's Degree in Health Psychology and is linked to the line of Research Human Development and Educational Practices in Health. Through a systematic review of the literature, the effects of infections such as COVID-19 were investigated. The review was chosen as a methodological model with the objective of synthesizing the main findings in the literature and pointing out directions for the actions of health professionals. After the results of the review, it was verified the need to develop computer material for professionals and the population on the risks of viral infections and on the signs of identifying neuropsychomotor delay. Thus, the dissertation is composed of two products, a bibliographical one, which is the review article, and another technical product, which is the informative booklet. First the review article will be presented and then the booklet. First the review article will be presented and then the booklet. Review Article: The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic literature review and create an informative booklet for parents and health professionals. The systematic literature review investigated the impacts on child neurodevelopment related to congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection, focusing on the neurological consequences that may have on the neuropsychomotor development of babies and children. The studies analyzed in the systematic review showed identification of signs of delay through neuropsychomotor assessment scales; exposure to congenital infection was divided between symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women and the results identified neuropsychomotor delay in 71.4% of the studies analyzed. The informative booklet was developed with the aim of guiding parents and health professionals on the relationship between congenital virus infections, such as the Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2, related to possible delays in neurodevelopment, covering fundamental information about viral infections , neural development, child development and neurodevelopmental disorders. The booklet's approach is accessible and aims to facilitate understanding for both parents and healthcare professionals, offering valuable guidance. This work contributes to the scientific literature and provides a comprehensive synthesis of the implications of child neurodevelopment in the context of congenital infections, seeking to impact clinical practice and family support through the creation of an applicable and relevant educational tool.