Evaluation of public policy facing children with microcephaly in the cariri region according to guardian’s view

In 2015 Brazil experienced an outbreak of Zika virus infection, which resulted in the birth of newborns with microcephaly. As a result, the Ministry of Health launched public policy protocols for microcephaly and Zika Virus. Based on that, the objective of this study was to evaluate both the quality of assistance provided and the effectiveness of public policies aimed at children with microcephaly, in the Cariri region, Northeast, Brazil, according to their parents / guardians perspective. This is a qualitative exploratory descriptive research. The study was carried out with the parents / guardians of children with microcephaly, who are monitored by the specialized attention of a Polyclinic in the Cariri region. Data collection instrument was formulated based on three modules from public policy protocols for microcephaly by the Ministry of Health, and it took place through a semi-structured interview. Firstly, sociodemographic data was sought. Secondly, an instrument based on the Theory of Uncertainty in Illness was applied and the answers were recorded and analyzed according to Minayo's content analysis and then classified following three steps. Finally, the research was appreciated and approved by the Ethical Principles for Research with human subjects. In short, data analysis showed parents / guardians satisfaction of public policies. Nonetheless, the feeling of incapacity they feel due to the desire of finding a cure for their children is remarkable, which requires a psychic approach directed at these parents / guardians.