Proteção e apoio ao aleitamento materno: nível de conhecimento dos profissionais que atuam no setor de farmácia em um Hospital Amigo da Criança no município de Fortaleza - CE

Abstract

Breast milk is considered a support for the promotion and protection of children's health due to their constitution, quantity and availability of nutrients and immuno-substances. Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age minimizes infant mortality, as well as providing physical contact between mother and baby. Despite the proven benefits, worldwide breastfeeding rates still remain below expected levels. To this end, the knowledge of health professionals about breastfeeding and breastfeeding incentive actions are indispensable for compliance with the guidelines and for the transmission of safe and adequate information for the infant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of professionals working in the pharmacy sector at a Baby-Friendly Hospital in the city of Fortaleza-CE on the management of breastfeeding through the application of a questionnaire composed of questions related to the topic. The results were stored in the Microsoft Excel 2010 program and submitted to simple descriptive statistical analysis. For statistical analysis, the Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher exact test was used, and the association hypothesis was accepted when the "p" found was ≤ 0.05. Of the 47 professionals interviewed, 17 (36.17%) were pharmacists, 08 (17.02%) were residents of pharmacies and 22 (46.81%) were technicians. The prevalent sex was female, with 70.21% (n = 33). Approximately 37% (n = 17) of the professionals were trained 5 years ago or less, 85.11% (n = 40) performed at a Baby-Friendly Hospital for less than 5 years, 74.47% (n = 35) professional activity in another location and 61.70% (n = 29) reported having already carried out some educational activity on breastfeeding. The professionals' knowledge about breastfeeding was evaluated as good for 42.56% (n = 20) of the interviewees, regular for 40.42% (n = 19), and insufficient for 17.02% (n = 08). It was observed an expressive number of professionals classified as good knowledge level among residents in pharmacy. The present study points out the need for training and qualification (in service) on the adequate management of breastfeeding, in order to collaborate in the elaboration of strategies aimed at improving the performance of pharmacy professionals in the promotion of breastfeeding.