KNOWLEDGE ON CHILD FEEDING OF NURSES IN THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN A HEALTH REGION IN THE STATE OF PARAIBA
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice in Health; Professional training; Infant nutrition; Child nutrition; Breastfeeding.
Knowledge on child feeding by the population and health professionals is a key determinant for breastfeeding practices. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge on child feeding of nurses from the Primary Health Care in the state of Paraíba, associated with demographic and professional characteristics. The research has a cross-sectional design, in which a validated, adapted questionnaire was applied to verify the knowledge of these professionals regarding child feeding. The degree of knowledge about it was expressed through a score of 0-21. The t-test for independent samples was used to verify differences in the Mean ± Standard Deviation of the degree of knowledge according to demographic and professional profile. Most nurses were aged ≤ 40 years, had not participated in training on child feeding and were not committed to the Estratégia Amamenta e Alimenta Brasil. The period of exclusive breastfeeding and the best substitute for breast milk, when breastfeeding is not possible, stood out as positive knowledge. However, the predominant breastfeeding concept and the recommendation on the food groups that should be present at lunch from six months onwards were less correct. Their level of knowledge was 15.0 ± 2.95, with the highest score in those aged ≤ 40 years (p = 0.019). It is concluded that their knowledge about child feeding is adequate in relation to exclusive breastfeeding, but inadequate regarding predominant breastfeeding and the recommended introduction of food after six months of age.