`Filling the Gap'--children aged two years or less: sources of nutrition information...

Abstract. The objective of this study was to identify the sources of nutrition information and services used by 115 parents of children aged less than two years, and by maternal and child health nurses. This is the first part of a larger study of children aged from birth to eight years old. Parents commonly accessed the maternal and child health nurses (85%), family (66%) and friends (48%) for nutrition information. Doctors (25%) were the second most accessed professional group by parents for nutrition information. Dietitians were most likely to be used by maternal and child health nurses, for information about specific nutrition problems as well as for referral. Maternal and child health nurses requested access to dietitians for both consultancy and referral, but preferred the latter. There were gaps in nutrition information available to both parents and professionals. Both groups expressed a need for information to be consistent, clear, concise, easy to use, and available in the required community languages. Doctors need to recognise the role they have in the provision of nutrition information to families with young children. Dietitians are well placed to provide specialist services for referral as well as resourcing the maternal and child health service, food industry, government departments and the media. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1999;56:209-214.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]