Knowledge and practice of pediatricians and nutritionists regarding treatment of cow’s milk protein allergy in infants

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated the knowledge and practices of pediatricians and nutritionists about cow’s milk protein allergy in infants, with an emphasis on issues related to the exclusion diet and nutritional status. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed with a convenience sample of 204 pediatricians and 202 nutritionists randomly invited in scientific events in the city of São Paulo, from November 2014 to March 2016. Results Between 1.5% and 21.0% of respondents indicated inadequate products for the treatment of cow’s milk protein allergy, including goat’s milk, beverages or juices based on soy extract, lactose-free milk formula and partially hydrolyzed formula. The daily calcium recommendation for children between zero and 36 months of age was correctly indicated by 27.0% of pediatricians and 46.0% of nutritionists (p=0.001). Additionally, 96.1% of pediatricians and 82.7% of dietitians (p<0.001) provided guidance on about labels of industrialized products. Conclusion Pediatricians and nutritionists present gaps in knowledge about cow’s milk protein allergy treatment in infants and educational strategies that increase the knowledge of the professionals are important for the management of cow’s milk protein allergy.

Brazilian pediatricians’ adherence to food allergy guidelines—A cross-sectional study

“…So, despite the existence of a number of guidelines, lack of awareness is a significant barrier to guideline adherence. Gaps in the knowledge of Brazilian pediatricians about the treatment of CMA, the major food allergy in infants in our country, have been demonstrated previously [24], but opportunities are present in Brazil for pediatricians to gain knowledge regarding the approach to food allergy. Ensuring pediatricians have a good understanding of food allergy management is crucial for children with suspected CMA as they are mostly managed by general pediatricians in Brazil, without OFC to confirm diagnosis.…”

“…In Brazil, different studies have demonstrated that knowledge about food allergy management amongst health care professionals may be inadequate [21][22][23][24]. However, the adherence of Brazilian pediatricians to the guidelines as well as the reasons for possible non-compliance with the recommendations are still unknown.…”

Primary Healthcare Center’s Healthcare Providers’ Perception and Practice Toward Pediatric Cow's Milk Allergy in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

“…Similarly, Faria et al found knowledge gaps among pediatricians and nutritionists for the treatment of infants with CMA. The investigators emphasized the importance of having a sufficient understanding of the disease, and the lack of knowledge about its treatment may negatively impact the growth and development of these infants [ 15 ]. Contradicting these reports, a study conducted in the USA found more than 60% of primary-care physicians correctly answered the questions about knowledge, which was higher than our reports [ 16 ].…”

Atitudes e práticas de cuidadores sobre a alergia ao leite de vaca segundo os estágios de mudança do comportamento

“…O uso de fórmulas infantis substitutas do leite de vaca na ALV contribui para a segurança alimentar e nutricional de lactentes e crianças menores quando essas se encontram impossibilitadas de receber aleitamento materno ou ainda fórmulas infantis à base de leite de vaca. 4,20 Dessa forma, por meio de política pública, é garantido o acesso às fórmulas especiais para o tratamento de crianças com ALV até os 24 meses de idade, sem que as famílias tenham de arcar com o custo elevado desse tipo de alimento. 21 A fórmula infantil também teve destaque como o tipo de alimentação mais frequente em nossos resultados.…”