Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Whether the guidelines on infant nutrition, food allergy and atopic dermatitis confer real health benefits in practice at the population level has not been deeply studied. We aimed here to characterize the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding these issues among primary health care professionals. In addition, we surveyed available parent-reported information sources and the incidence of food-related symptoms, dietary restrictions, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis among one-year-old children in the general population.

Materials and methods: An online questionnaire was designed for public health nurses and general practitioners. In addition, parents of one-year-old children were recruited to a separate survey at the time of their regular check-up visit.

Results: Altogether, 80 professionals took part. The median overall knowledge score was 77% and significantly higher among the general practitioners than among the nurses (p = 0.004). However, only 35% of all the professionals recognized either severe airway or cardiovascular symptoms as potential food allergy-related symptoms. Moisturizers and emollients were thought to be adequate treatment for atopic dermatitis by 56%. Among 248 one-year-old children, the incidence of food allergy was 4% and atopic dermatitis 13%. During this period, parents intentionally avoided giving at least one food to 23% of the children, yet more than 80% of these restrictions can be regarded as unnecessary.

Conclusion: The knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding infant feeding, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis varied significantly among the primary care professionals. This will likely result in heterogeneous guidance practices and confusion among the families at the population level.