[Complementary feedings and socioeconomic factors]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Current recommendations advise initiating complementary infant feeding between 4 to 6 months to mitigate food allergy risks.
• Understanding adherence to these guidelines and influencing factors is crucial for infant health.
• Socio-economic status is a potential determinant in following early feeding advice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe complementary feeding practices in infants up to one year of age.
• To analyze socio-economic and other criteria influencing adherence to infant feeding recommendations.
• To assess the introduction of key foods, including allergens and omega-3 rich fats.

Main Methods:

• An observational, descriptive quantitative study was conducted.
• Data was collected via anonymous surveys from mothers of 163 infants (12-47 months old).
• The study took place in 10 doctor's offices in Saint-Etienne between November 2016 and February 2017.

Main Results:

• Over two-thirds of infants started complementary feeding between 4-6 months.
• Lower maternal education levels correlated with later introduction of gluten and meat, and earlier cessation of infant formula.
• Mothers with lower socio-economic status or multiparity introduced fewer fruits and vegetables.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities exist in infant feeding practices, influenced by socio-economic factors.
• General practitioners must educate parents, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, on early food and allergen introduction.
• Further research is needed to address these disparities and improve adherence to feeding guidelines.