Abstract 36
Aims: To assess the dietary habits of Greek children from 6 to 24 months of age. A randomized and representative sample of 1200 children was studied by an especially designed questionnaire concerning information about previous and current dietary patterns, socioeconomic factors and family characteristics. Statistics was performed using analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. Results: At the end of first month of life 69% of infants are breastfed, while only 17% continue up to end of 6th month. In 69% it was mother's decision to adopt breast feeding while the paediatrician was rather responsible for the introduction of formula (61%). Rooming-in and maternal education were positively associated with breastfeeding while the type of maternity hospital (private vs. public) or its location (big urban centers vs. regional) did not have any significant effect. 88% of children consumed fresh fruits daily, which were introduced by the first 3 months of life in 15% and by the sixth month in 89%. Meat or chicken is included in the child's diet on average 4 times a week and in 58% of children gluten is introduced before the 6th month of life. It is impressive that 74% of children are "addicted" to "junk food" before the first year of life. Conclusions: It seems that the paediatrician does not really promote breastfeeding, solid food is introduced before sixth month of life and "addiction" to junk food starts from infancy. There is a profound necessity for continuous education and establishment of proper dietary and nutritional guidelines in the first critical years of life.
