Evaluation of the factors affecting nutrition habits during infancy in adıyaman province

Breast milk is the most important food source for the physical, psychological and mental development of the baby. Breastfeeding is very important in the first six months for a healthy diet and this rate is still low in our country. At the same time, in the transition period to supplemental food, mistakes made in time and preference can cause problems in the future. This study it is aimed at evaluating the attitude and behaviors of parents in terms of breast milk and nutrition during infancy. Our study was carried out with mothers who had applied to outpatient and outpatient clinics of Pediatrics in Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital between March 15, 2018 and July 15, 2018, or who had been treated in the service between 0-24 months. A total of 1010 mothers who agreed to participate in the study, sociodemographic data of infants and parents, and a questionnaire consisting of 45 questions prepared by us to determine the breastfeeding status were applied by one- to-one interview technique. In our study group consisting of mothers with low education and income level, the average age of mothers was 29,47 ± 5,61 (18-45) years and the rate of work was 10,6%. The male-female distribution of babies was 54,3% - 45,7%. Breastfeeding rate of babies in the first half-hour is 53,6%, breastfeeding rate is 69,7% in the first six months, breastfeeding rate is 85,6% in the first diet, breastfeeding and nutrition education rate is 37,9%. the rate of feeding with formula before the six months was 43,9%, in the first six months the rate of supplementary food start was 49%, the highest rate was 37,5% in terms of who decided to start formula more than 37,9% yogurt, 29,8% of the use of blender in the diet and 50.5% of the cow's or goat's milk before the twelfth month. As a result; in our study, the rate of receiving breast milk after birth of the babies was high, but the rates of continuation of the breastfeeding during the first six months were found to be low. The main reasons for this are mothers' lack of education on breastfeeding, lack of continuation of breastfeeding, misuse of supplementary food, use of a blender in infant nutrition, early formulas, and shortcomings. In accordance with our study, it can be said that the current education about breast milk is not sufficient. We believe that understanding the importance of breast milk can only be possible through more effective and sustainable training programs and health policies. It is also clear that more studies are needed. Key Words: Breast milk, Nutrition, Nutrition Education, Infant, Formula