Infant formula in saudi arabia: a cross sectional survey

ABSTRACT

To measure formula milk utilization and practices among mothers in Saudi Arabia including reasons for formula or mixed milk feeding, reasons for choosing a specific brand and number of formula brand changes and reasons for change. Cross sectional survey. Shopping centers in Riyadh Women with children below three years of age Main Outcome Measures: Rate and reason for mixed feeding, type of formula brand chosen, number and reasons for formula brand change, maternal attitude toward open market and maternal belief of pediatrician's knowledge of formula brands. Majority [80%] of mothers interviewed utilized either a mixed or exclusive formula feeding. Thirty-one percent attributed formula milk feeding due to lactation insufficiency. The most common factor behind choosing specific formula milk was doctor's advice [40.7%]. Forty percent had at least tried two different formula brands in the first year of life. The major reasons for changing a specific brand of formula were colic and gas [32%], constipation [23.6%] and gastroesophageal reflux [20.4%]. Conclusion: A huge diversity of formula brand utilization, change and confusion among Saudi mothers was observed. Major efforts are urgently required to rectify a national crisis in Saudi markets