BREASTFEEDING KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN PUBLIC HEALTH CARE SERVICES

This study evaluated breastfeeding knowledge and practice of professionals who care for infants at health care services in a city in the interior of Sao Paulo, Brazil. This epidemiological study was carried out with a population of 89 nurses and physicians. Their answers to a structured questionnaire were analyzed in total and by place of work through the test for difference between proportions (Chi-square) with the level of significance at p<0.05. Data analysis was performed according to the Ministry of Health recommendations. The significant differences found for knowledge and practice, according to place of work, were restricted to certain aspects. Results of average scores were slightly better for professionals from the basic care units. Regular and poor performance were found in different studied aspects regardless of place of work, which suggest that potential educational interventions in this subject should include professionals at all levels of health care.