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[Cataract in childhood: socioeconomic and gestational profiles and neuropsychomotor development]
Cristiane Bezerra da Cruz1, Daniela Endriss, Bruna Ventura
1Departamento de Oftalmologia Pediátrica e de Catarata Congênita, Fundação Altino Ventura, Recife, PE.
Insights
Children with infantile cataracts in Brazil often come from low-income families with limited education. Many experienced poor school performance, highlighting gaps in rubella immunization and healthcare access.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Context:
- Infantile cataract presents a significant challenge in pediatric ophthalmology.
- Socioeconomic and gestational factors can influence child development and health outcomes.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose:
- To analyze the socioeconomic and gestational profiles of children with infantile cataracts.
- To assess the neuropsychomotor development of these patients.
- To identify healthcare system deficiencies, such as low rubella immunization rates.
Summary:
- The study examined 40 children with infantile cataracts in Pernambuco, Brazil.
- Most patients belonged to low-income families with parents having limited education.
- Rubella immunization gaps and poor school performance were noted.
- Neuropsychomotor development was generally within normal limits.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for improved public health strategies, particularly in rubella prevention.
- Suggests a correlation between socioeconomic status and pediatric eye conditions.
- Informs healthcare providers about the challenges faced by children with infantile cataracts and their families.
Purpose:
To analyze the socioeconomic and gestational profiles, and the neuropsychomotor development of patients with infantile cataract cared for at a medical ophthalmologic center in Pernambuco state, Brazil.
Methods:
A standardized questionnaire was applied, in October and November 2003, to the parents of children who underwent child cataract surgery at the Altino Ventura Foundation.
Results:
Of the 40 patients, 23 were females (57.0%) and 17 males (43.0%). Most of the mothers (65.0%) and fathers (55.0%) of the children informed that they had not finished elementary school. The family income was between 1 and 3 minimum wages in 70.0% of the cases. As for the parental marital status, 40.0% of them were married. Thirty-nine mothers (97.5%) underwent prenatal exams, 37 reported that they had not received rubella immunization (92.5%), and 13 reported rubella during their pregnancy (32.5%). Three mothers reported consanguinity with their husbands and 5 were exposed to medications during pregnancy. Most of the patients had a neuropsychomotor development within limits considered normal by other studies. Fourteen patients (35.0%) were 6 years or older when the interview was performed. Eleven (78.6%) of these children attended school and 45.4% of them had to repeat the school grade.
Conclusion:
It was observed in the studied sample that the patients were characterized by being part of a low-income population. Less than half of the interviewed parents were married and the patients presented low school performance. Insufficiencies in the health system as regards immunization against rubella was identified.
