PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DA COLETA DE LEITE HUMANO DOADO AOS BANCOS DE LEITE NO BRASIL

INTRODUCTION: Human milk (HM) is the main diet for infants. However, until 2019, LH donation levels were relatively low in Brazil, according to the study Nacional de Nutrição e Alimentação Infantil (ENANI-2019). Considering the lack of updated studies on the topic, this study aims to evaluate the epidemiology of the collection of LH donated to milk banks in Brazil from 2018 to 2022. METHOD: Retrospective and quantitative epidemiological study carried out according to the STROBE checklist. The data were collected in May 2023 in the Ambulatory Information System (SIA), available in the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). All external milk collections by donors reported in all Brazilian states were included. The variables were: year and month of notification, and region/federation unit of residence. RESULTS: LH collections in the Northeast correspond to the largest reserve in Brazil (31%), with Maranhão having the highest rate (63%). The Southeast was the second region (26%) and had the lowest variation in the number of collections (SD=0.01). São Paulo had the highest rate in the region (66%) and Espírito Santo, the lowest (5%). The North and Central-West regions had the lowest national percentages (9%). DISCUSSION: Breast milk is recommended for all infants, however, in cases of infections or ingestion of substances, the mother cannot breastfeed. Thus, donated milk becomes a safer option compared to infant formula. Encouraging factors for donation are: encouragement of postpartum women, information through active campaigns and during the patient's own care. CONCLUSION: Despite the wide network of LH banks, donation in Brazil is low, inferring the need for health professionals to encourage the act more.