Guidelines about the use of oral rehydration solutions (OSR) and dietary management of acute gastroenteritis (GE) were published and presented by World Health Organization (WHO). The aims of this study were to examine pediatricians knowledge and implementation of the WHO guidelines, the effect of medical schools (Tehran versus other cities graduates) on the physicians practice, and the effect of the type of practice of the management of gasteroenteritis (private clinic versus hospital-based). A multiple-choice, written questionnaire was distributed at Pediatrics annual meeting. A total of 87 pediatricians completed the questionnaire. They were aware of 73% of the current WHO guidelines and followed 60% of the guidelines. Most pediatricians (83%) yse ORS fir treatment of dehydration in GE, but 60% of pediatricians believe that full-strenght feeds are inappropriate in the presence of GE. In addition, 37% of the pediatricians stop feeding temporarily in the presence of GE. These findings suggest that steps for implementing the nutritional guidelines are needed.
