Conhecimento de mães e enfermeiros acerca da intolerância à lactose

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of mothers and nurses regarding lactose intolerance. Methodology: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The study population consisted of mothers of lactose-intolerant children and nurses from a municipality in rural Goiás, Brazil. The sample included 15 nurses working in 15 Family Health Strategies and 15 mothers of lactose-intolerant children. Data collection was conducted through the application of two questionnaires with open and closed-ended questions. The study investigated the knowledge of mothers and nurses on the topic, as well as their perceptions of healthcare services. Descriptive data analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequency distributions. Results: Most children were diagnosed with lactose intolerance between the ages of 2 and 4 years, primarily through the glucose curve test. Mothers reported having knowledge about lactose intolerance but faced difficulties integrating their children into social environments. They also considered that healthcare professionals were not adequately prepared to manage the condition due to a lack of information. Similarly, the nurses participating in the study stated that they had never attended any municipality-provided training on the subject and did not feel confident in caring for lactose-intolerant children or providing guidance to their caregivers. Conclusion: Nurses in the Family Health Strategy play a key role in pediatric primary care. However, it is essential that they seek training to improve their service delivery and develop strategies to facilitate the inclusion of lactose-intolerant children in routine healthcare services.