Factors impacting complementary feeding advice given by paediatricians in Cyprus

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Child Health

Background:

• Complementary feeding significantly impacts long-term infant health.
• European recommendations for complementary feeding exhibit considerable variation.
• A debate exists among pediatricians regarding prioritizing developmental readiness versus nutritional needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing Cypriot pediatricians' complementary feeding recommendations.
• To determine if developmental readiness or nutritional needs are the primary criterion.
• To assess how this prioritization affects feeding advice.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study utilizing an 11-item questionnaire.
• Data collected from 73 participating Cypriot pediatricians.

Main Results:

• Most pediatricians recommend starting complementary feeding between 5-6 months.
• Developmental readiness was the primary criterion for 55% of pediatricians, while 45% prioritized nutritional needs.
• Pediatricians prioritizing developmental readiness were younger and provided less specific nutritional guidance.

Conclusions:

• Younger pediatricians are more inclined to prioritize developmental readiness over nutritional needs.
• Prioritizing developmental readiness may be associated with reduced nutritional advice.
• This highlights a potential gap in nutritional guidance during complementary feeding.