Morbidity in children of less than one year of age in risky conditions: a prospective study

ABSTRACT

Aim: To analyze the profile of morbidity of children in risky conditions during their first year. Method: This is a prospective study of a cohort type, performed in the municipality of Maringá, Brazil, over 12 months, with regard to 237 children in risky conditions, born between May 1st and October 31st 2008. Results: In the first year, 118 children (49.8%) needed at least one period of hospitalization. The majority were male (55%), within the first 15 days of life (72%), and underweight and premature (34.1%). Discussion: It was evidenced that, with the growth and development of the children, the reasons for hospitalization are switched from typical conditions of newborns in risky conditions to common illnesses of infancy. Conclusion: The findings confirm the necessity for a differentiated follow by the health team for children in risky conditions, in order to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization during the first year of life.