Abstract

MICHELETTO, Marcos Ricardo Datti; AMARAL, Vera Lúcia Adami Raposo do; VALERIO, Nelson Iguimar  and  FETT-CONTE, Agnes Cristina. Adherence to treatment post genetic counseling in Down Syndrome. Psicol. estud. [online]. 2009, vol.14, n.3, pp. 491-500. ISSN 1413-7372.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-73722009000300010.

Early stimulation provides significant benefits for Down syndrome individuals, their families and society. This study evaluated the effect of genetic counseling on the adherence behavior of parents to stimulation therapy, the factors that influence access to genetic counseling and to treatment and the satisfaction supplied by counseling. The parents of 12 individuals participated in this study using routine semi-structured interviews at three stages: before counseling, after counseling and follow-up. In spite of the difficulties to access genetic counseling and treatment, most parents were satisfied with the service. This process significantly influenced the adherence to treatment as, probably, the guidance was responsible for changes in behavior. Well-defined rules, useful in Down syndrome, promoted behavioral changes. Rules function as a discriminative stimulus for parents to adherence to the treatment of their children.

Keywords : Down syndrome; genetic counseling; adherence behavior.