Dietary habits in children of immigrant families from developing countries: an Italian multicentre study

2006

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary habits of immigrant children who come to Italy from developing countries, and of their families. Methods. A multicentre cross-sectional study was carried out from Jan. 1st 2003 to Dec. 31st 2004. The study population comprised 1284 immigrant mothers, 629 infants, and 767 children with more than 2 years of age. A structured questionnaire was employed to inquire retrospectively on dietary habits and, on breastfeeding, complementary breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and weaning. Results. Exclusive and complementary breastfeeding was more frequent and of longer duration among immigrant infants than Italian infants, but not compared to…