Hospital Practices and Doctor's Attitudes Leading to Early Introduction of Complements to Infant Diets in Istanbul

Abstract

Infant feeding pattern among 269 mothers living in three socio-economically distinct areas of Istanbul was ascertained by a cross-sectional study. In spite of a relatively high prevalence of breastfeeding, mothers displayed a marked tendency toward early introduction of complements. Early complementary feeding and weaning was positively associated with the mother's degree of urbanization, educational, and socio-economic status and hospital deliveries. A prospective study carried out among 24 mothers strived to identify the underlying reasons for early complementation in areas with low to middle socio-economic characterization. Direct advice from doctors was found to be responsible for mother's decisions to introduce complements in many of instances.

Key Words:

• breastfeeding
• complementation
• delivery clinics
• doctors attitudes