Consommation des produits lactés chez l’enfant et l’adolescent marocain de 2 à 16 ans: une étude monocentrique Consumption of milk products among Moroccan children and adolescents aged 2-16 years: a monocentric study

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the daily consumption of milk products in a population of Moroccan children and to determine the factors influencing this consumption. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study from 1 October 2013 to 31 April 2014. Children aged between 2 and 16 years were included in the study. The participants were recruited in the city of Fez. Data were collected using a frequency questionnaire. Enrolled parents and children were interviewed on their consumption of milk products and on sociodemographic factors. Children underwent anthropometric examination. The association between variables in milk products consumption was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression model. RESULTS: Food survey involved 286 children: 151 girls (52.8%) and 131 boys (45.8%). Children aged 2 to 3 years accounted for 26.4%, those aged 4 to 7 years accounted for 28.9%, those aged 7 to 9 years accounted for 18.3% and adolescents aged 10 to 16 years accounted for 26.4%. Children consumed on average 2.5±1 milk products per day. 57.8% of children aged 2 to 3 years, 53.6% of children aged 4 to 6 years, 40% of children aged 7 to 9 years and 41.2% of children aged 10 to 16 years consumed at least 3 milk products per day. The factors associated with the consumption of at least three milk products per day in univariate analysis were an illiterate maternal education level p < 0.001 OR= 0.1 and an elementary maternal education level p = 0.002 OR = 0.1, a medium familial socio-economic status p < 0.001 OR = 3, age p = 0.01 OR = 0.9 and a normal body mass index p = 0.01 OR = 2.5 and > 90° percentiles p < 0.001 OR= 6. There was a positive correlation between a body mass index > 90° percentiles p= 0.01 OR = 3.9 and the quantity of consumed milk products while there was a negative correlation between a body mass index > 90° percentiles p = 0.01 OR = 3.9 and a low maternal schooling: illiterate p = 0.008 OR= 0.1 elementary p = 0.009 OR = 0.1. CONCLUSION: The consumption of milk and of other milk products was inappropriate in particular among children aged 7 to 9 years and adolescents aged 10 to 16 years. Low maternal schooling and a body mass index higher than 90° percentiles were factors independently associated with the consumption of less than 3 milk products per day. The awareness of parents and children about the role of the milk and its derivatives in children diet is essential.