THE IMPACT OF PREMATURITY ON CHILD COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF NURSING PRACTICE

Abstract

Introduction: Prematurity is a significant public health problem, associated with alterations in children's cognitive development due to the immaturity of the central nervous system. Premature infants have a higher risk of difficulties in language, attention, memory, and learning. In this context, nurses play a fundamental role in Primary Health Care (PHC), acting in the monitoring of child growth and development. Objective: To identify the role of nurses in addressing the impacts of prematurity on children's cognitive development. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, with a qualitative approach, carried out through the analysis of scientific articles, documents from the Ministry of Health, publications from the World Health Organization, and theoretical frameworks related to child development. Results and Discussion: Studies have shown that factors such as low birth weight, neonatal complications, and social vulnerability can intensify cognitive alterations in premature infants. It was also observed that the monitoring carried out by nurses favors the early identification of developmental delays, in addition to guiding caregivers and promoting timely interventions. Conclusion: It is concluded that the role of the nurse in primary health care is essential in the follow-up of premature infants, contributing to the prevention of complications and the promotion of cognitive development in children.