[Complementary feedings and socioeconomic factors].
In order to limit the risk of food allergies, it is recommended to begin complementary feedings for infants between the ages of 4 and 6 months old. The objective of this study is to describe how complementary feedings are carried out until the age of 1 year old and to analyze criteria, especially socio-economic, that influence compliance with recommendations. This observational and descriptive quantitative study lasted from November 21st, 2016 to February 21st, 2017 and took place in 10 doctor's offices around the city of Saint-Etienne. Anonymous surveys were distributed to the mothers of children aged between 12 and 47 months old inclusive, born at term, and with a weight above 2.5 kg. More than 2/3rds of the 163 children included started complementary feedings between 4 and 6 months old. Gluten (P = 0.02) and meat (P = 0.016) were introduced later and infant formulas (P = 0.005) were stopped sooner when the mother's education level was low. The average number of fruit and vegetables was smaller when the mother had a low socio-economic level or if she was multiparous. At the age of one, fewer than 20% of the children had consumed fat content rich in omega-3. At the same age, 70% had consumed egg and 12.3% nuts, which are some of the major allergens. These outcomes show the need for general practitioners to inform parents, especially those with a low socio-economic level, about early food introduction, including allergens.