Nurses knowledge of current guidelines for infant feeding and weaning - A. Williams and L. L. Pinnington

Vaccination News Home Page                                            subscribe Vaccination NewsLetter

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/servlet/useragent?func=synergy&synergyAction=showAbstract&doi=10.1046/j.1365-277X.2003.00430.x

Abstract
 
Download to reference manager

Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics
Volume 16 Issue 2 Page 73  - April 2003
 
Nurses' knowledge of current guidelines for infant feeding and weaning
A. Williams* and L. L. Pinnington
 Abstract

Background  Poor infant feeding practices are common causes of nonorganic failure to thrive and may exacerbate the effects of many chronic conditions. It is important therefore that parents receive correct and consistent feeding advice from health professionals. The aim of this study was to determine whether hospital paediatric nursing staff are familiar with the recommendations of the Department of Health (DOH) Weaning Report (DOH, 1994).

Methods  A total of 127 members of nursing staff (79%) at Derbyshire Children's Hospital were interviewed. Knowledge of recommended practices for the introduction and use of cow's milk, gluten, milk products, mashed foods, vitamin supplements and drinks was assessed.

Results  Overall, 42 people (33%) answered all questions correctly. In each clinical area, six outpatient (64%), 19 special care baby unit (61%) and 17 ward (20%) staff provided correct answers to all questions. No significant difference was found between staff at each grade in the number of questions answered correctly.

Conclusions  Knowledge of national infant feeding and weaning guidelines was limited suggesting that DOH recommendations are not widely understood or recognized. Further nutrition education and local dissemination of information is required if nurses are to continue to advise parents on aspects of infant feeding.
 
Access Full Article HTML    Access Full Article PDF

 

Vaccination News Home Page

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.