RESUMO
A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the nutritional knowledge and practices of physicians and nurses working in MCH clinics in different PHC facilities in Alexandria. Six MCH clinics were selected randomly, one clinic from each district. A total sample of 188 [137 physicians and 51 nurses] were included in the study. A special designed questionnaire was constructed and included data about nutritional knowledge in general, nutritional knowledge during pregnancy, lactation and breast feeding practices. The results indicated that there was a significant relation between degree of qualification and level of knowledge. Physicians showed higher nutritional knowledge than nurses. Only 11.7% of the studied sample achieved a very good level [>/= 75%]. About 83% of interviewed physicians and nurses reported incorrect answer as regards the cut-off level of haemoglobin in pregnant women. Inspite of the fact that recommendations towards successful breast feeding is distributed in maternity services, about 20% of the sample reported that they advise a lactating woman to feed her baby on schedule and not to feed him / her during night hours. Exclusive breast feeding is recommended during first four months of delivery, however over 70% of interviewed sample reported that they advise a lactating woman to give her baby fluids in form of water, juices and herbs besides breast milk in the first four months after delivery. Based on the results of the present work, it is a necessity to carry on an extensive nutritional education training programme for physicians and nurses working in MCH clinics