Attitude, Self-Reported Practices and Knowledge of Pediatricians Regarding the Recommendation of Goat-Milk-Based Formula for Management of Infantile Colic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Infantile colic is common among infants. Few studies in Saudi Arabia have examined pediatrician attitudes, knowledge, and practices related to goat-milk-based formula for the management of infantile colic. The aim of this study was to examine the practices and knowledge of pediatricians in using goat-milk-based formula for infantile colic management. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia between March and May 2026. The questionnaire tool for this study was developed based on the previous literature and interviews with pediatricians in Saudi Arabia, reflecting their current practices in the management of infantile colic and recommendations for goat-milk-based formula. The face validity and exploratory factor analysis suitability were confirmed. The study participants were recruited using the convenience sampling technique. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors of better knowledge of goat milk and positive attitudes toward recommending it among the participating pediatricians. The mean knowledge score (1.92 (SD: 1.03)) and the mean attitude score (5.77 (SD: 2.17)) were utilized to define the dummy variable for the regression analysis to define better knowledge and positive attitudes. Results: A total of 152 participants were involved in this research. Just over half of the study sample (50.7%) reported that they diagnosed infantile colic using formal criteria. Just under one-fifth of them (19.1%) reported that they recommend a formula change in formula-fed infants with colic. A total of 62.5% of the participants showed a higher level of knowledge of goat milk. Approximately 67.1% of the participants showed a positive attitude toward it. The most commonly agreed statement was that national guidelines are needed for goat-milk formula prescription, including its indicated clinical use. The multivariable linear regression analysis (the sensitivity analysis) showed that the region of practice was an important predictor variable that was significantly associated with pediatricians’ knowledge of goat milk recommendation (B = 0.221; 95% CI: 0.062 to 0.379; β = 0.223; p-value: 0.007). Pediatricians who worked in private hospitals had a higher attitude score toward recommending goat milk compared to those working in governmental healthcare settings (B = 1.053; 95% CI: 0.209 to 1.896; p-value: 0.015). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that pediatricians in Saudi Arabia adopt different approaches and practices for diagnosing and managing infantile colic. The knowledge of and attitudes toward goat-milk formula were generally moderate, indicating opportunities for improvement through additional professional education and awareness campaigns. There was a wide acceptance of the need for explicit national guidelines to define appropriate clinical indications for goat-milk formula utilization and recommendations. This demonstrates the need for evidence-based national guidelines and continuing professional education.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Healthcare, 2026 · DOI ↗