Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2025;25:eSOBEP202504.
Parental perceptions of beliefs and care practices for children born prematurely
DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793202504i
Abstract
Objective
To analyze parents’ perceptions regarding beliefs and practices in the care of children born prematurely, correlating them with child developmental milestones.
Methods
This survey-type study was conducted with parents of premature children up to three years of age. Data were collected using instruments available on the REDCap platform, including a sociodemographic questionnaire, perinatal and neonatal variables, and the Parental Beliefs and Care Practices Scale (E-CPPC). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; to assess associations, Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test were used (significance level: 5%).
Results
A total of 30 mothers participated, and 46.6% of the children were born extremely or moderately preterm. Mothers showed greater appreciation for practices aimed at immediate physical well-being (such as keeping children clean and preventing accidents), to the detriment of cognitive stimulation (such as reading books or playing with them). However, direct interaction practices, such as “listening to what children have to say” (r=0.369; p=0.045) and “facing the child, making eye contact” (r=0.403; p=0.027), showed a significant correlation with developmental milestones; these were not fully achieved, especially in speech and mobility.
Conclusion
Parents value affective and interactive care despite the context of vulnerability. Health services should promote early stimulation and family involvement, fostering the comprehensive development of premature children.