<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Food allergy (FA) is a global health problem with an ongoing rise in prevalence, especially in developed countries. It has been reported to be most prevalent in children, although cases in adults have been increasing as well. FA may lead to life-threatening clinical manifestations. Data in Lebanon and the Middle East are limited. To our knowledge, few studies tackled its prevalence in children in this region. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> This study aims at determining self-reported prevalence of FA in schoolchildren (ages 3–17 years) in Lebanon and describes its characteristics. <b><i>Method:</i></b> Throughout this cross-sectional study, 5 schools from 3 different governorates in Lebanon (Beirut, Mt. Lebanon, and Beqaa) were contacted to participate and 5,312 questionnaires were sent out to be completed by the parents and sent back to the school during May 2019. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 2,610 questionnaires were collected (49.13%). A hundred and forty-eight (6%) children reported to have FA, 58% were males. 80% of them were breastfed, 51% were diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 14 years. Common allergens included cow’s milk and milk products (22.46%), fruits and vegetables (16.58%), eggs (8.02%), and nuts (5.88%). Allergic symptoms included skin reactions (45.08%), gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (29.53%), respiratory symptoms (14.51%), and systemic symptoms (10.88%). 82% of the population with FA has sought professional advice, out of which 54% were confirmed by a physician. Common methods of diagnosis were IgE test (35.71%), food elimination (27.92%), and skin prick test (18.83%). χ² analysis has shown that a higher percentage of children with FA had skin reactions (58.8%, <i>p</i> = 0.033) and GI symptoms (30.41%, <i>p</i> = 0.047). A higher percentage of children with allergies were breastfed. No relation between the presence of FA and delivery mode was observed. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This study has shown that the self-reported prevalence of FA among Lebanese schoolchildren is 6%, and it was correlated with skin and GI symptoms. The most common allergen was cow’s milk. A higher proportion of children with FA were breastfed. No association between the mode of delivery and FA was found. Larger studies are needed to confirm the above findings.

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Background Nutrition education during pregnancy has significant impact on improving knowledge and dietary habits of pregnant women, which in turn leads to enhanced postpartum maternal and birth outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of antenatal nutrition education on the knowledge of women of childbearing age in Lebanon. Method A quantitative quasi-experimental study design was adopted. Online antenatal nutrition education sessions were provided to a group of women of childbearing age. The online session was ninety minutes long and covered antenatal weight gain and its composition, nutrition in the preconception and the antenatal periods, food safety, and nutrition intervention for nutrition related pregnancy complications. Participants’ antenatal nutrition knowledge was assessed before and directly after the session through an online self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the results, using SPSS 28®. Results A total of 5 virtual sessions on antenatal nutrition were given by a licensed dietitian and attended by 91 participants. Fifty nine percent of participants had previously received antenatal nutrition information, of which 27.5% were obtained from dietitians and 22% were obtained from the internet. Mean scores for pretest and posttest were 27 ± 6.5 and 37 ± 4.1 respectively, and their difference was statistically significant (t=-31.6; P < 0.001). In the pretest, the lowest score was 6 and the maximum score was 39 ± 6.5. However, the lowest score in the posttest was 21 and the highest was 41 ± 4.1. The statement related to the recommended amount of caffeine consumption among pregnant women received the lowest percentage of correct answers (3%). However, in the posttest, this number improved and increased to 85% correct answers. On the other hand, 99% of answers were correct regarding nutrition affecting pregnancy outcomes, making it the highest percentage of correct answers at pretest. Conclusion Antenatal nutrition education may improve knowledge and practice of women during pregnancy. Thus, attention should be directed towards promoting nutrition education of women of childbearing age.

Background: Breastmilk provides all nutrients, immunologic agents, hormones and antibodies that protect the infant from certain diseases and infections. Many barriers can make it difficult for mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding. It is important that pregnant women develop a positive attitude, sufficient knowledge and proper practices to ensure breastfeeding for their newborns and consequently impact the health of the community. Method: This study aims at assessing knowledge, attitude and practices of Lebanese mothers regarding infant feeding. A cross-sectional, online survey- based study was conducted on a group of 254 Lebanese mothers to elicit data about regarding infant feeding. Statistical analysis was carried out using the statistical software SPSS, version 22.0. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify associated factors of good knowledge, good attitude, and good practices. Results: 78.3% of participants reported good knowledge while 21.7% showed poor knowledge, 69% reported a good attitude while 31% showed a poor attitude, and 78 (30.7%) reported good practice, while 176 (69.3%) showed poor practice. Education level and health problems during pregnancy were associated with BF knowledge (P-value less than 0.05). Age (p-value= 0.04), marital status (p-value = 0.016), educational level (p-value = 0.03), religiosity (p-value = 0.003), time since last delivery (p-value = 0.01), and knowledge score were significantly associated with attitude score. Practice scores showed a significant association with the following factors: religiosity (p-value = 0.01), family income per month (p-value= 0.012), and attitude score (p-value ˂0.0001). Conclusions: Breastfeeding education and support should be accessible to all women, especially ones with low educational qualifications and no past breastfeeding experience.