Practices of Introduction of Complementary Feeding and Iron Deficiency Prevention in the Middle East and North Africa

摘要: Background Iron deficiency (ID) with or without anemia is associated impaired mental and psychomotor development. Given the paucity of information on physicians' knowledge practices iron (Fe) supplementation impact ID in Middle East North Africa, it was felt important to conduct a survey. Method A group expert physicians developed questionnaire that randomly distributed among Africa doctors assess their introduction complementary feeding, ID, its prevention, impression prevalence ID. Descriptive statistics were used. Results We received 2444 completed questionnaires. Thirty-nine percent do not follow European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology Nutrition guidelines regarding age feedings. Approximately 62% estimate be 40% 70%; however, only 17% always monitor hemoglobin between 9 12 months age, 43% so "almost" always, whereas 36% "rarely" (4%) "never." For prevention infants older than 6 almost all recommend introducing Fe supplements. Ninety-seven agree untreated during infancy may have long-term negative effects cognitive function, 53.26% consider Fe-enriched infant cereals result staining baby teeth, constipation, dark stools. Conclusions Although there awareness are some misconceptions feedings, surveillance status, side cereals. There need educational initiatives focusing deficiency.