Profile of functioning of Brazilian children with congenital Zika syndrome: a longitudinal study applying the common brief ICF core set for cerebral palsy

ABSTRACTTo use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to investigate whether children with congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) show changes in their functioning and disability profile after nine months. This study included children with CZS recruited from a support centre for children with microcephaly in Brazil. The children's functional abilities and limitations were classified using ICF Core Set for children with cerebral palsy. Each ICF category was quantified in two moments with a mean interval of nine months. The study included 81children (mean age = 38.4 ± 3.3mo). Most children showed changes between assessments. Categories that presented improvements were in body functions (five categories), environmental factors (two categories), and activity and participation (one category) sections. Most children with CZS evaluated improved their functioning and disability profile over time, mainly in body functions. These changes can be related to the course of the disease or to the health programmes that children had access.KEYWORDS: ICFmicrocephalyZika virusrehabilitationgrowth and development AcknowledgmentsThe authors would like to thank the entire research department at IPESQ, the children for having participated in this study and Egmar Longo professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte for training with ICF.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis study received support from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)/Ministry of Education (MEC) [grant number 443372/2016-0], Technological Development (CNPq) [grant number 440619/2016-5]. This study was also supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Secretariat of Science, Technology and Strategic Supplies, Ministry of Health.Notes on contributorsGabriela Lopes GamaGabriela Lopes Gama is a physiotherapist with a master's degree in physiotherapy and a Ph.D. in health sciences. She currently works as a physiotherapist and researcher at Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto Research Institute and as a professor at UNIFACISA University Center.Janiele Sales TavaresJaniele Sales Tavares is a physiotherapist with a master's degree in health science and technology. She currently works as physiotherapist and researcher at Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto Research Institute.Ana Stela Salvino de BritoAna Stela Salvino de Brito a physiotherapist with master's degree in maternal and child health. She currently works as physiotherapist and researcher at Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto Research Institute.Thamyris de Sales RegisThamyris de Sales Regis is a physiotherapist with a master's degree in health science and technology. She currently works as a physiotherapist and researcher at Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto Research Institute.Hannah Cavalcante Guedes PinheiroHannah Cavalcante Guedes Pinheiro currently works as a nurse and researcher at Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto Research Institute.Mariana Balbino da SilvaMariana Balbino da Silva is a specialist in Basic Concepts of Applied Behaviour Analysis. She currently works as a researcher at Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto Research Institute.Jousilene Sales TavaresJousilene Sales Tavares is a physical education professional with a master's degree in public health and a Ph.D. in maternal and child health. She currently works as a researcher at Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto Research Institute.Adriana MeloAdriana Melo is a doctor specialist in foetal medicine with a master's degree in public health and PhD Maternal and Child Health and in Tocogynecology. She currently works as a researcher at the Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto Research Institute and as a professor at UNIFACISA University Center and Campina Grande Federal University.