Public awareness in Saudi Arabia toward honey use in infants: A cross sectional study

Background: Honey is highly valued in Saudi Arabia for its cultural, religious, and therapeutic significance, as recognized in the Holy Quran. It is revered for its nutritional and medicinal properties and has been a traditional element in the Saudi diet for many generations. However, there is a significant health risk associated with giving honey to infants under 12 months, due to the possibility of infant botulism (IB) caused by Clostridium botulinum spores present in honey. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of the public in Saudi Arabia regarding the risks of feeding honey to infants. Additionally, it seeks to promote safe feeding practices among caregivers and parents, highlighting the importance of preventing IB. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the level of awareness regarding the potential risks associated with administering honey to infants under 1 year of age. Secondary objective is to address the misconceptions and myths surrounding the use of honey for infants younger than 12 months. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional survey approach, conducted in Saudi Arabia, targeting individuals aged 18 years and above. The data collection tool was an electronically distributed, user-friendly questionnaire, made accessible in both English and Arabic. It is important to specify that this questionnaire was exclusively completed by adults. The survey included a consent form, sections for gathering sociodemographic information of the respondents, and a series of questions specifically addressing the practice of feeding honey to infants under 1 year of age. Additionally, the questionnaire explored the reasons behind these feeding practices. Results: Our study analyzed 428 questionnaires, most of them were female 294 (68.7%), revealing a significant awareness gap in the Saudi population regarding the risks of honey consumption in infants under 12 months. While a majority (66.6%) were aware of the risks, a notable proportion (35.5%) still administered honey to infants. This discrepancy highlights the influence of cultural practices and information sources, with many relying on family, friends, or social media for guidance. The study underscores the need for targeted educational campaigns to bridge this awareness-practice gap and promote safe infant feeding practices in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for targeted educational campaigns in Saudi Arabia to address the risks of feeding h