Dataset Information

The Support Needs and Current Practices of Public Health Nurses in the Republic of Ireland Who Provide Support to Breastfeeding Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Breastfeeding continuation rates are low in Ireland. The Breastfeeding Observation and Assessment Tool (BOAT) was developed to assist public health nurses in assessing breastfeeding challenges; however, little is known of its actual usage, the level of training experienced or desired by public health nurses, or their level of confidence in the support they provide to breastfeeding mothers.

Research aim

To identify the current practices and support needs of public health nurses who provide breastfeeding support in Ireland.

Method

An online questionnaire was devised to collect respondents' confidence with breastfeeding issues, caseload, and practices. It was distributed to public health nurses with a current child health caseload in one Community Healthcare Organization. Mann Whitney U tests were used to ascertain the relationship between public health nurses' confidence level and those with qualifications in midwifery or as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Results

The survey was completed by 66 public health nurses. Only 14 respondents (21.2%) indicated that they always used the BOAT. The most common reason for not doing so was a lack of education on its use (n = 17, 25.8%). Postholders also certified as IBCLCs were considered by participants to be the most appropriate professionals to resolve certain breastfeeding issues. Confidence levels to manage breastfeeding issues were highest among public health nurses with IBCLC credentialing (U = 12.5, p = .001) while no difference was seen when comparing those with a midwifery degree to those without (U = 184.0, p = .92). Face-to-face workshops and blended-learning approaches were ranked as the preferred formats for breastfeeding education (Median rank = 2).

Conclusions

Breastfeeding education incorporating a face-to-face component is needed to support public health nurses who work with breastfeeding mothers, as is prioritization of recruitment in the community of public health nurses with IBCLC credentials.

SUBMITTER: Walsh A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10580677 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

The Support Needs and Current Practices of Public Health Nurses in the Republic of Ireland Who Provide Support to Breastfeeding Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Walsh Annemarie A McCluskey Rachel R Cassidy Deirdre D McGoldrick Gerardine G Howlin Claire C Muldoon Kathryn K Butler Éadaoin É Byrne Gobnait G

Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association 20230526 4

<h4>Background</h4>Breastfeeding continuation rates are low in Ireland. The Breastfeeding Observation and Assessment Tool (BOAT) was developed to assist public health nurses in assessing breastfeeding challenges; however, little is known of its actual usage, the level of training experienced or desired by public health nurses, or their level of confidence in the support they provide to breastfeeding mothers.<h4>Research aim</h4>To identify the current practices and support needs of public health ...[more]

PMID: 37232139

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Project description:BackgroundThis study aimed to capture public beliefs about living with obesity, examine how these beliefs have changed over time and to explore whether certain characteristics were associated with them in a nationally representative sample of adults from the Republic of Ireland (RoI) and Northern Ireland (NI).MethodsA cross-sectional survey employed a random quota sampling approach to recruit a nationally representative sample of 1046 adults across NI and RoI. Telephone interviews captured information on demographics; health behaviours & attitudes; and beliefs about the consequences of obesity (measured using the Obesity Beliefs Scale). Univariable analyses compared beliefs about the consequences of living with obesity between participants with a self-reported healthy weight and those living with overweight or obesity, and non-responders (those for whom weight status could not be ascertained due to missing data). Multiple linear regression examined associations between obesity-related beliefs and socio-demographics, self-rated health and perceived ability to change health behaviours. Multiple linear regression also compared changes in obesity-related beliefs between 2013 and 2020 in the RoI.ResultsHigher endorsement of the negative outcomes of obesity was significantly associated with living with a healthy weight, higher self-rated health, dietary quality and perceived ability to improve diet and physical activity. Those who lived with overweight, with obesity and non-responders were less likely to endorse the negative consequences of obesity. Those living with obesity and non-responders were also more likely to support there is an increased cost and effort in maintaining a healthy weight. Comparison with survey data from 2013 showed that currently, there is a greater endorsement of the health benefits of maintaining a healthy weight (p < 0001), but also of the increased costs associated with it (p < 0001).ConclusionBeliefs about the consequences of maintaining a healthy body weight are associated with individuals' weight, self-rated health, diet and perceived ease of adoption of dietary and exercise-related improvements. Beliefs about the health risks of obesity and perceived greater costs associated with maintaining a healthy weight appear to have strengthened over time. Present findings are pertinent to researchers and policy makers involved in the design and framing of interventions to address obesity.

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Dataset Information

The Support Needs and Current Practices of Public Health Nurses in the Republic of Ireland Who Provide Support to Breastfeeding Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background

Research aim

Method

Results

Conclusions

Publications

The Support Needs and Current Practices of Public Health Nurses in the Republic of Ireland Who Provide Support to Breastfeeding Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Similar Datasets

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