Epidemiological Profile of the Pediatric Home Care Service in Palmas-TO: Predominance of Neurological and Congenital Disorders

Douglas Alves da Silva Santos, Jeverson de Sousa Barbosa Lima, Esmeralda Neiva Misterdão, Guiomar Virgínia Vilela Assunção de Toledo Batello, Leidiene Ferreira Santos

Abstract

Introduction: The Home Care Service (SAD) is a relevant strategy in the care of children with chronic conditions in Brazil. This study describes the epidemiological profile of pediatric patients assisted by SAD in Palmas, Tocantins, a region facing specific barriers to healthcare access. Objective: To identify the main health conditions in children aged 0–12 years assisted between August 2024 and January 2025, analyzing their distribution and care implications. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 47 medical records. Data were retrieved from the SAD system, processed in Excel®, and analyzed using R v.4.4.3 and SPSS® v.28 (α=0.05). Cases with follow-up ≥30 days were included. Results: Neurological/congenital diseases accounted for 59.5%, with a predominance of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (14.9%), hydrocephalus (10.6%), epilepsy (10.6%), cerebral palsy (8.5%), and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (8.5%). The remaining 21 conditions represented 40.5% (most at 2.1% each). Discussion: The high frequency of SMA reflects therapeutic advances, whereas encephalopathies indicate perinatal care weaknesses. The diagnostic diversity requires specific protocols and caregiver training. Conclusion: SAD in Palmas focuses on children with complex conditions, requiring integrated models, technological support, and expanded specialized services.

 

Keywords: Health Profile; Child; Home Care Services

 

Author Biographies

Douglas Alves da Silva Santos, UFT

Mestre pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino em Ciências e Saúde. Orcid:
0009-0005-0808-1997. E-mail: santos.douglas@mail.uft.edu.br

Leidiene Ferreira Santos, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8897-5579

Doutora em Ciências da Saúde pela Universidade Federal de Goiás, professora e líder do grupo de
pesquisa GEPESC - UFT. Orcid: 0000-0002-2969-6203. E-mail: leidienesantos@mail.uft.edu.br

Guiomar Virgínia Vilela Assunção de Toledo Batello

Professora Adjunta do Curso de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Tocantins. Doutora em Enfermagem pela Faculdade de Enfermagem de Goiás - FEN/UFG (2020-2024).Orcid:0000-0003-3774-732X E-mail:guivilelatoledo@uft.edu.br

Jeverson de Sousa Barbosa Lima

Mestrando pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino em Ciências e Saúde. Orcid: 0009-0007-5924-9408. E-mail: contatojeverson@gmail.com

Published
2025-12-05