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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pediatricians on infantile colic in the Middle East and North Africa region

Authors: Flavia Indrio, Mohamad Miqdady, Fahd Al Aql, Joseph Haddad, Berkouk Karima, Katayoun Khatami, Nehza Mouane, Aiman Rahmani, Sulaiman Alsaad, Mohamed Salah, Gamal Samy, Silvio Tafuri

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Regional evidence-based guidelines for the prophylaxis and management of infantile colic are not available for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The Allied Against Infantile Functional GI Disorders (ACT) Working Group was created in January, 2015 to determine the knowledge gaps and the current management practices of infantile colic by physicians in the MENA region. The ACT group determined the need for a survey to address these questions. The objectives of the survey were to highlight current clinical practices on the management of infantile colic and to raise awareness on colic severity in the MENA region.

Methods

The ACT working group developed the survey which included respondent characteristics and closed questions on practice in colic prevention. The survey was subject to validation and ethics committee approval in all countries.

Results

A total of 1628 physicians (mostly pediatricians (75.4%), neonatologists (2.4%) and general practitioners (19.8%)) responded to the survey. The 5 most represented countries were KSA (27.9%), Kuwait (22.1%), Morocco (13.8%), Lebanon (10.6%), and Iraq (7.4%). Most of the respondents (77.8%) practiced in governmental settings. A majority of respondents (91.7%) reported that colic is diagnosed predominantly by clinical examination. Above 63%, of pediatricians surveyed, believed that the colic prevalence rate was >40%, which is greater than the 20% rate reported in worldwide surveys. Yet, most of the responding physicians (73%) prefer to simply reassure parents rather than prescribe a therapeutic agent. Most physicians were either neutral (58%) or did not endorse (18.4%) colic prophylaxis. Of those who prescribed formulae for non-breastfed children, a majority (64.3%) chose “Comfort” formulae over hydrolyzed or lactose-free formulae or formulae with probiotics.

Conclusions

The results of this survey suggest that a substantial proportion of responding physicians from the selected MENA countries do not advocate for prophylaxis of colic. The findings of this survey suggest that more educational efforts are required to increase awareness of the strong body of evidence supporting the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention and management of infantile colic.
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Metadata
Title
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pediatricians on infantile colic in the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors
Flavia Indrio
Mohamad Miqdady
Fahd Al Aql
Joseph Haddad
Berkouk Karima
Katayoun Khatami
Nehza Mouane
Aiman Rahmani
Sulaiman Alsaad
Mohamed Salah
Gamal Samy
Silvio Tafuri
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-017-0939-0

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