Stress Related to Pediatric Hospitalization and Possible Interventions: An Analysis of the Brazilian Literature

Estresse Relacionado à Hospitalização Pediátrica e Intervenções Possíveis: Análise da Literatura Brasileira

Estrés Relacionado con la Hospitalización Pediátrica e Intervenciones Posibles: Análisis de la Literatura Brasileña

Abstract

Hospitalization may interfere with behavioral and emotional responses and influence outcomes in health and development. An analysis of the literature on the subject can contribute to the comprehension of stress triggers and their effects. This study reviewed the Brazilian literature on stress indicators associated with hospitalization in children and their caregivers. The methodological characteristics of each article, as well as their findings regarding stressful contexts, emotional and behavioral reactions and possible interventions were analyzed. A search for articles published between 2000-2016 was performed in the Virtual Health Library using the following keywords: child hospitalization, hospitalization, hospitalized child, stress, emotional stress and psychological stress. The application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in a final sample of 38 articles. Most studies were concentrated in the Southeast, South and Northeast regions of the country, and relied on small and mixed samples. Few studies used assessment instruments. This review highlighted the need for interventions that improve communication in hospital settings. Initiatives that improve the quality of care, attend to families' needs, provide psychological support, and encourage play may also have beneficial effects on quality of life.

Keywords:
Hospitalization; stress; child; caregivers