Community child health nurses knowledge and beliefs regarding infant feeding

Abstract

Objective: To assess community child health nurses' knowledge and beliefs related to food allergy prevention, diagnosis and management in infants, before and after a targeted evidence-based education session. Methods: Community child health nurses (CCHN) from primary community child health centres in Brisbane, Queensland were recruited to complete an online survey related to infant feeding and food allergy, before and after an evidence-based education session. A scoring system was created using a range of 35 questions divided into 5 knowledge domains including food allergy prevention, introduction of allergenic foods, use of alternative formulas for infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA), signs and symptoms of food allergy and food allergy outcome. Results: Of 46 eligible CCHN, 27 of 40 CCHN (68%) responded to both the pre-and post-surveys. The intervention was effective as the percentage of CCHN scoring >70% improved significantly from 66% pre-to 75% post (P<0.0003). Domains of poor knowledge identified included prevention of food allergy, alternative formula for CMA and CMA outcome. Knowledge scores improved for all 5 domains after the intervention, however, only knowledge scores regarding introduction of allergenic foods (P < 0.0027) and use of alternative formulas for infants with CMA (P = 0.0242) achieved statistical significance. After the education session, fewer CCHN believed that rubbing allergenic food on skin before introducing it to the infant identified potential allergies (P < 0.0215) and more CCHN selected rice-based extensively hydrolysed formula as an appropriate choice for infant with CMA (P < 0.0215). Conclusion: Community child health nurses' knowledge related to infant feeding and food allergy showed improvement after one evidence-based education session. Knowledge deficits were identified and some persisted after intervention, specifically related to food allergy prevention, use of alternative formulas for infants with CMA, food allergy outcome. Strategically tailored education to address the knowledge gaps related to infant feeding and food allergy is required for this important group of health professionals.L6251323752018-11-28 <br />