Complementary feedings and socioeconomic factors

Abstract

In order to limit the risk of food allergies, it is recommended to begin complementary feedings for infants between the ages of 4 and 6months old. The objective of this study is to describe how complementary feedings are carried out until the age of 1year old and to analyze criteria, especially socio-economic, that influence compliance with recommendations. This observational and descriptive quantitative study lasted from November21st, 2016 to February21st, 2017 and took place in 10doctor's offices around the city of Saint-Etienne. Anonymous surveys were distributed to the mothers of children aged between 12 and 47months old inclusive, born at term, and with a weight above 2.5kg. More than 2/3rds of the 163children included started complementary feedings between 4 and 6 months old. Gluten (P=0.02) and meat (P=0.016) were introduced later and infant formulas (P=0.005) were stopped sooner when the mother's education level was low. The average number of fruit and vegetables was smaller when the mother had a low socio-economic level or if she was multiparous. At the age of one, fewer than 20% of the children had consumed fat content rich in omega-3. At the same age, 70% had consumed egg and 12.3% nuts, which are some of the major allergens. These outcomes show the need for general practitioners to inform parents, especially those with a low socio-economic level, about early food introduction, including allergens.