Eye health attention of children with developmental disorders in early intervention services: barriers and facilitators

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors that influence on the early detection of visual impairment and in early intervention onset for children with developmental disorders. Methods: The study consisted of a exploratory and descriptive survey, which included the use of questionnaires with institutional representatives, professional team of early intervention and mothers or caregivers of children served in these services. The data received statistical analysis through software SAS Statistical Analysis System 9.3, Wolfram Mathematica and Microsoft Excel. The sample consisted of 434 subjects (19 institutional representatives, 142 professionals of the early intervention services and 273 mothers/ caregivers of children served). Results: The results showed statistical values of p=0.0119 for the realization of eye test with regard to the beginning of early intervention. The mother receive guidance on the development of vision obtained values of p-value=0.0106 for early intervention start and values of p=0.0061 for the first visit to the ophtalmologist. Conclusion: Realise the eye test constitutes as a facilitating factor for the onset of early intervention and have an exclusively visual impairment and attend private institution as a barrier. Late entry into early intervention service adversely affects the age of first ophthalmologic consultation.The mother receive guidance on the development of vision showed as a facilitating factor for the first visit to the ophtalmologist and start of timely intervention.The field of eye health constitutes as public health demand and requires attention to actions and educational programs directed to families, professionals and institutional managers who provide services to children.