Complementary feeding routines and parental allergy follow-up behavior in early childhood

Early complementary feeding practices and timely allergen introduction are important components of current infant feeding recommendations. However, evidence remains limited regarding how complementary feeding routines and socioeconomic factors influence parental allergy-related healthcare-seeking behavior during early childhood.Objective: To examine the association between complementary feeding routines, early allergen introduction, socioeconomic characteristics, and parental allergy-related healthcare-seeking behavior in young children.

In this cross-sectional study, parents of young children completed a structured questionnaire assessing complementary feeding routines, the timing and type of allergen introduction, allergy-related symptoms, and socioeconomic characteristics. All data were based on parental self-report and were not independently verified through clinical assessment or medical records. The primary outcome, allergy-related healthcare-seeking behavior, was operationally defined as any parent-reported healthcare contact, including at least one visit to a pediatrician or pediatric allergy clinic, due to suspected allergy-related symptoms or parental concern. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with allergy-related healthcare-seeking behavior.

Early introduction of specific allergens, particularly egg white, was significantly associated with increased parental allergy-related healthcare-seeking behavior. The presence of allergy-related symptoms was also a strong determinant of healthcare utilization. In addition, socioeconomic factors, including household income and parental employment status, were associated with differences in healthcare-seeking patterns, likely reflecting variation in access to healthcare services and health awareness. The multivariable model demonstrated moderate sensitivity, indicating that while key factors associated with allergy-related healthcare-seeking behavior were identified, some cases could not be fully captured.

Complementary feeding practices, early introduction of allergenic foods, and socioeconomic factors were associated with parental allergy-related healthcare-seeking behavior in early childhood. These findings highlight the need for targeted parental education, optimization of infant feeding recommendations with consideration of allergy risk, and improved clinical guidance for families reporting allergy-related symptoms. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these associations and to support the development of effective preventive strategies.