Cow's Milk Allergy and Associated Factors Among Children in Abha City, Saudi Arabia - A Retrospective Case Control Study.

Introduction: Cow's Milk Allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy among children. The global prevalence of CMA ranges from 1.8% to 7.5% among children. Data regarding CMA is scarce and only a few studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the factors associated with CMA among children in Abha city and to explore the knowledge and practice regarding CMA among parents in Abha city.

Methods: This retrospective one-year case control study was conducted amongst children with CMA (cases) and healthy children without CMA (controls) and their parents attending Abha Maternity and Children Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Data regarding CMA was extracted from the hospital medical records. A validated questionnaire was used to collect detailed information from the identified cases and controls after obtaining informed consent. SPSS software was used for data analysis.

Results: The study groups consisted of 31 cases and 37 controls. Children between 0 and 36 months of age were included. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1. The parent's knowledge level was good regarding the association between early introduction of cow's milk and increased risk of CMA (Mean Score: 3.96). Having a sibling with a CMA is actually a risk factor for developing CMA (P-value = 0.03).

Conclusion: To reduce the risk of CMA, the study recommends dietary strategies that exclude CMA allergens and the use of suitable alternative milk formulas. It highlights the protective role of breastfeeding and advises against the early introduction of cow's milk formulas during infancy. Furthermore, the study advocates for hospital nurseries and new parents to refrain from administering artificial milk formulas to newborns.