Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Understanding the conceptions of premature children caregivers on child development and associated factors.
METHOD
An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study of 12 families with children under three years of age. Interviews were submitted to thematic content analysis, systematized into the categories of Bioecological Theory of Human Development: Process, Person, Context and Time, and in the Functional Development category.
RESULTS
There are concerns about impairment in the current and future development of a Person/child defined as fragile as a result of premature birth (Time dimension), minimized by the scope of observable competencies such as motor skills. The Context, especially family and health services, and Proximal Processes, described as one-way caregiver interactions, are considered determinants of development. Functional Development is considered a natural consequence and result of education. The support network is crucial, supporting or limiting care.
CONCLUSION
Concerns about the development mobilize caregivers to stimulate the premature child/person and requests family and healthcare assistance.
Descriptors
Child Development; Infant, Premature; Caregivers; Family; Pediatric Nursing