This study sought to identify the factors associated with the development and prevention of complicated grief in women who have lost a baby. This is a systematic review of scientific articles in the main mental health databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and APA Databases (PsycINFO). The selection and data extraction processes occurred independently and blindly by two authors, considering the eligibility criteria. The analysis included publications from 2013 to 2021 of observational studies with adult women who had experienced losing a baby (during pregnancy up to 2 years of life) and that employed standardized instruments to evaluate grief. From the 8,200 records found, 23 articles were selected for analysis. As risk factors, we identified the presence of mother’s psychopathology, history of gestational loss, and social pressure for a new pregnancy, while as protective factors, we identified the presence of another child other than the deceased one, the quality of specialized healthcare, and the social support provided by either a partner, community, or spiritual activities. Furthermore, the studies pointed to the event of losing a baby as an opportunity for posttraumatic growth. Although complicated grief is often associated with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress, it is necessary to differentiate it for a clearer understanding of the complicated grief as a singular condition, to enable access to appropriate care for bereaved mothers and families, as well as to promote public policies which provide support to them.
Resumo Introdução Gestação, nascimento e primeira infância são momentos da vida familiar que envolvem expressivas transformações e desafios para a assistência à saúde. Objetivo O presente artigo propõe uma análise crítica das principais políticas públicas de saúde brasileiras relacionadas à saúde mental neste período desenvolvimental das famílias. Método Trata-se de um estudo documental, exploratório e analítico, no qual 13 documentos do Ministério da Saúde foram analisados quanto a duas categorias temáticas definidas a priori: 1) concepções de saúde mental e 2) atores e práticas envolvidos no cuidado em saúde mental. Resultados Os termos saúde mental e humanização foram citados de forma ampla, sem clareza de suas definições e aplicações. A equipe multidisciplinar foi destacada, no entanto não foram encontradas especificações a respeito dos profissionais que deveriam compô-la e nem da capacitação para atuação nessa área. Conclusão Propõe-se a diferenciação do conceito de humanização e do cuidado em saúde mental relacionados à gestação, ao nascimento e à primeira infância, destacando-se o papel do psicólogo e a importância da aproximação entre pesquisa e políticas públicas de saúde.
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