Child growth and development: the role of the nurse in Primary Health Care

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Abstract

                                                                                                                      Introduction: The National Policy for Comprehensive Child Health Care highlights the importance of comprehensive care in early childhood, a crucial phase of human development. In this context, the Child Growth and Development consultation, carried out by nurses, is strategic for monitoring child health, allowing early detection of changes and timely interventions. This study aims to discuss the role of nurses in monitoring child growth and development within the scope of Primary Health Care. Materials and Methods: This is an integrative literature review, carried out by searching the Virtual Health Library, in the second half of 2024, using the descriptors: “Growth”, “Child Development”, “Nursing” and “Primary Care” interconnected by the Boolean operator AND. Results: A total of 95 articles were identified, of which 9 studies were analyzed, mostly qualitative, published between 2015 and 2024, with a predominance of Brazilian authors. Discussion: The analysis showed that nurses play a central role in childcare consultations, promoting child growth and development. However, they face challenges such as low adherence by caregivers, work overload, inadequate structure and other problems that compromise the quality of care. Conclusion: It is concluded that investments in infrastructure, professional training and strengthening of public policies are necessary, as well as new research that further qualifies child care in Primary Health Care.

Keywords: Primary Care; Growth; Child Development; Nursing.

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Author Biographies

Joice Brito Moreira Torquatro, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia

Discente de Graduação em Enfermagem na Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Jequié, Bahia, Brasil. 

Ronney Pereira Cabral, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia

Doutor em Ciências da Educação pela Universidade Nacional de Rosário (Argentina), Jequié, Bahia, Brasil. 

Flavia Pedro dos Anjos Santos, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB)

Doutora em Enfermagem pela Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Jequié, Bahia, Brasil. 

Rosália Teixeira Luz, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB)

 Doutora em Ciências da Saúde pela Universidade Federal da Bahia, Jequié, Bahia, Brasil. 

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Published

2026-01-31

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 4 (2025): Revista Pró-UniverSUS

Section

Nursing

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Copyright (c) 2025 Joice Brito Moreira Torquatro, Ronney Pereira Cabral, Flavia Pedro dos Anjos Santos, Rosália Teixeira Luz

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