Acceptance of Recommendations of "Healthy Start - Young Family Network" on Infant Nutrition and Nutrition for Breastfeeding Mothers. A Survey of Different Professional Groups

Abstract

This study aims to measure the level of acceptance of the recommendations of the "Healthy Start - Young Family Network" on infant nutrition and nutrition for breastfeeding mothers among different professional groups. A standardised online questionnaire was used to investigate the level of acceptance (dichotomised response mode: accept vs. not accept). The first survey was of midwives, gynaecologists and paediatricians among others, the second survey was of paediatricians. The level of acceptance was categorised as low (<75%), moderate (75-89%), strong (90-94%), very strong (95-99%) and absolute (100%). 1 311 health professionals participated in the first survey (n=908 midwives) and 77.6% reported having knowledge of the recommendations. The average level of acceptance was lowest among midwives (67.5%). 119 paediatricians participated in the second survey and 86.5% of this group said they had knowledge of the recommendations. A low acceptance level was mainly found with regard to recommendations on supplementation (fluoride and iodine). A focus on the individual situation of young families, an orientation towards other recommendations and subjective assessment were the main reasons for non-acceptance. Recommendations have not been successfully implemented in midwives' practices. Due to overrepresentation of midwives, the observed results do not necessarily apply to other occupational groups. However, the implementation of the recommendations into training and education of health professionals, revision of ambiguous statements as well as the communication of the scientific background of the recommendations are meaningful measures to raise acceptance levels.