Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2001;1(1):81-90.

ISSUE Cover

Perceptions of nursing personnel concerning risk factors in the health care to newborns in a maternity hospital

DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793200100008

Abstract

This is an exploratory and descriptive study which aimed at identifying the perceptions of nurses and nursing auxiliaries in a maternity hospital in the interior of São Paulo State, Brazil with regard to the risk factors that permeate the health care to newborns during and after discharge from hospital. Semi-structured interviews were used. The nursing professionals markedly identified the biological risks in the care to newborns during and after discharge from hospital. Social risks were related to the lack of family structure, unfavorable social and economic condition and the inadequacy of a systematized follow-up after leaving hospital. The understanding of the relationship between the risk factors, the qualitative characteristics concerning health care and the contribution from the health care services network can provide nursing and other health professionals with important elements for the improvement of care and the quality of life of children and their families.