AVALIAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO DE FARMACÊUTICOS SOBRE A NORMA BRASILEIRA DE COMERCIALIZAÇÃO DE ALIMENTOS PARA LACTENTES E CRIANÇAS DE PRIMEIRA INFÂNCIA, BICOS, CHUPETAS E MAMADEIRAS EM CAMPO GRANDE

Abstract

evaluation of Pharmacists' Knowledge Regarding NBCAL (Brazilian Standard for the Marketing of Food for Infants and Young Children, Nipples, Pacifiers and Bottles. in Pharmacies) in Campo Grande, MS. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted with pharmacists in 157 pharmacies in Campo Grande. A questionnaire was administered, including questions related to knowledge about NBCAL and its role as a healthcare professional. Results: 45 pharmacists were interviewed, and 44.4% of them were unfamiliar with NBCAL. Professionals with up to 2 years of experience were more likely to report knowledge of NBCAL (p=0.03). Although the majority claimed autonomy (72.7%) in displaying products in the commercial establishment, less than one-third were convinced that the commercial promotion of infant formulas, pacifiers, and baby bottles could harm breastfeeding. Conclusion: Pharmacists' knowledge of NBCAL is very limited, and they do not believe that commercial promotion practices can affect breastfeeding. The data suggest the need for awareness and training of these healthcare professionals as a strategy to protect breastfeeding.