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Pöyhönen N, Ojantausta O, Kaunonen M, Vehviläinen-Julkunen K, Ikonen R. Developing an Instrument to Measure Public Health Nurses' Competence Related to Breastfeeding Beyond 12 Months. J Hum Lact 2024:8903344241254343. [PMID: 38808930 DOI: 10.1177/08903344241254343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health professionals need adequate competence to support breastfeeding beyond infancy. There is no established instrument to measure health professionals' competence regarding long-term breastfeeding. To respond to this shortcoming, the Long-Term Breastfeeding Competence Scale (LBCS) was developed. RESEARCH AIM To develop and pilot an instrument that measures public health nurses' competence related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months in order to provide adequate breastfeeding counseling for families. METHODS This study was conducted as a cross-sectional online survey on public health nurses working in maternity and/or child health clinics. The relevance and clarity of the LBCS were assessed by an expert panel (N = 6). Public health nurses (N = 197) completed the LBCS, which consisted of a knowledge and skills dimension and an attitude dimension. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the study sample. The conceptual validity of the knowledge and skills dimension was assessed using the dichotomous Rasch analysis, and attitude dimension using the exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. The distribution of the items was summarized by descriptive statistics. RESULTS According to expert panel evaluations, the LBCS was found to meet the requirements for relevance and clarity (S-CVI 0.90). The internal consistency of the instrument was at a good level (α = 0.796) and met the requirements set for a new instrument. CONCLUSION The LBCS is appropriate to determine public health nurses' competence related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months. The LBCS can be used to identify the need for education concerning breastfeeding beyond 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niina Pöyhönen
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Oona Ojantausta
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marja Kaunonen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services, General Administration, Tampere, Finland
| | - Katri Vehviläinen-Julkunen
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- North Savo Wellbeing Services County, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riikka Ikonen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Blazé KSR, Xu H, Buchanan L, Baur LA, Wen LM. Parental smoking in the first two years of a child's life and its associations with breastfeeding. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 64:28-35. [PMID: 37463865 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months followed by ongoing breastfeeding to 12 months and beyond is associated with multiple benefits for both mother and child. Maternal smoking is associated with a reduction in breastfeeding. Little is known about the effect of partner smoking on breastfeeding. AIMS This study explores the smoking behaviour of mothers and their partners in the first two years of a child's life and its associations with breastfeeding practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a secondary data analysis using survey data on 1155 mothers from their third trimester of pregnancy and at six, 12 and 24 months after delivery. Survey questions included smoking status of both mother and partner and breastfeeding intention and practice. Logistic regression models were conducted at each time point. FINDINGS Where the mother or both parents smoke, babies were less likely to be breastfed at six months of age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.29, 95% CI: 0.13-0.66) compared with families where neither parent smoked. Non-smoking mothers with smoking partners were less likely to intend to breastfeed (aOR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.82) and their babies were less likely to be breastfed at six and 12 months of age (aOR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.98 and 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43-0.95 respectively). There was no difference in breastfeeding behaviour between smoking and non-smoking parents at 24 months. CONCLUSION Smoking parents are less likely to breastfeed their babies at ages six and 12 months. Breastfeeding promotion should target both smoking mothers and smoking partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine S R Blazé
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Women's and Children's Unit, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Centre for Community Child Health, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service (VFPMS), The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Huilan Xu
- Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Limin Buchanan
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH) and the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise A Baur
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH) and the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Li Ming Wen
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH) and the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Ramírez-Durán MDV, Gutiérrez-Alonso C, Moreno-Casillas L, Del Río-Gutiérrez A, González-Cervantes S, Coronado-Vázquez V. An Educational Intervention to Explore and Overcome Nursing Students' Breastfeeding Barriers: A Mixed-Methods Quasi-experimental Study. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs 2024; 38:E3-E13. [PMID: 37319350 PMCID: PMC10807748 DOI: 10.1097/jpn.0000000000000742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing and midwifery students do not feel adequately prepared during their clinical training to support women who breastfeed, demanding more effective communication skills and knowledge. AIM The aim was to evaluate changes in students' breastfeeding knowledge. METHODS This was a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design. Forty students voluntarily participated. Using a 1:1 ratio, 2 groups were randomly created and completed the validated questionnaire ECoLaE (pre-post). The educational program consisted of focus groups, a clinical simulation, and a visit to the local breastfeeding association. FINDINGS The control group's posttest scores ranged from 6 to 20 (mean = 13.1, standard deviation [SD] = 3.0). The intervention group ranged from 12 to 20 (mean = 17.3, SD = 2.3). A Student's t test for independence samples was calculated ( P < .005, t = 4.5, median = 4.2). The intervention group had a mean difference of 10 points in improvement (mean =10.53, SD = 2.20, min = 7, max = 14), whereas the control group had a mean of 6 points (mean = 6.80, SD = 3.03, min = 3, max = 13). The multiple linear regression explained the intervention's effect. The regression model had statistical significance ( F = 4.87, P = 0.004), with an adjusted R2 = 0.31. The linear regression between the posttest scores and group variables after adjusting by age showed an increment of 4.1 points in the intervention posttest scores ( P < .005, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1-6.1). CONCLUSIONS The educational program "Engage in breaking the barriers to breastfeeding" improved nursing students' knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luis Moreno-Casillas
- Department of Nursing, Catholic University “Santa Teresa de Jesús” Ávila, Avila, Spain
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Ojantausta O, Pöyhönen N, Ikonen R, Kaunonen M. Health professionals' competencies regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months: a systematic review. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:55. [PMID: 37904223 PMCID: PMC10617142 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00591-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding up to two years and beyond supports the health and neurobiological development of a child. Nevertheless, mothers experience criticism from health professionals towards breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Competence related to breastfeeding counselling is defined as minimum knowledge, skills and attitudes that all health professionals should have to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Professionals' education related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months is insufficient worldwide which challenges the competent and evidence-based support mothers wish for. METHODS This systematic review aimed to synthesize the existing literature on health professionals' competencies regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. The search was limited to peer-reviewed scientific papers published between 2000 and 2022 that focused on the competencies of health professionals regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Seven databases were searched, and of the 884 studies retrieved, seven were included in the review. The studies were subjected to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists. The data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis, driven by the concept of competence. RESULTS All the dimensions of competence could be found in the data. Health professionals' knowledge or skills related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months were explored in all seven studies, and attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond 12 months were explored in four studies. The main themes identified were Knowledge Combined with Skills, and Attitudes. The main theme, Knowledge Combined with Skills, was formed out of eight themes: perceptions regarding nutritional value, perceptions regarding economic value, perceptions regarding family interaction, perceptions regarding impacts on the mother's wellbeing, perceptions regarding impacts on the child's wellbeing, perceptions regarding suitable duration, perceptions regarding recommendations, and counseling skills. The attitudes varied and therefore the Attitudes main theme consisted of three themes: promotive attitudes, hostile attitudes, and passive attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals' knowledge and skills include several dimensions and vary substantially. Health professionals' attitudes vary between hostile and supportive and influence professionals' advice regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. The results suggested that there is considerable variation in health professionals' competencies, which emphasizes the importance of education regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oona Ojantausta
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Niina Pöyhönen
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riikka Ikonen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marja Kaunonen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services, General Administration, Tampere, Finland
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Silva IA, Silva CM, Costa EM, Ferreira MDJ, Abuchaim EDSV. Continued breastfeeding and work: scenario of maternal persistence and resilience. Rev Bras Enferm 2023; 76:e20220191. [PMID: 36722647 PMCID: PMC9885363 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to understand the challenges in mothers' daily life and strategies adopted to reconcile activities outside the home and continued breastfeeding. METHODS a cross-sectional, qualitative study. Theoretical-methodological assumptions were discursive practices and production of meanings in everyday life. Participants were 22 women from a specific social media group who had breastfed at least one child for >7 months. Data were collected between November 2020 and March 2021. RESULTS themes: Around the world of activities outside the home; Work environment: routines, opportunities and difficulties to maintain breastfeeding. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS women's experiences reveal a daily life with difficulties in reconciling the desire to breastfeed and the work scenario. Support network and adaptation to children's food routine were strategies adopted to minimize risks of weaning. The results show the need to consolidate policies to encourage continued breastfeeding in the labor market.
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Silva IA, Silva CM, Costa EM, Ferreira MDJ, Abuchaim EDSV. Amamentação continuada e trabalho: cenário de persistência e resiliência materna. Rev Bras Enferm 2023. [DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0191pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivos: compreender os desafios do cotidiano materno e as estratégias adotadas para conciliação entre as atividades fora do lar e a amamentação continuada. Métodos: estudo transversal, qualitativo. Pressupostos teórico-metodológicos foram: práticas discursivas e produção de sentidos no cotidiano. Participaram 22 mulheres, de um grupo de mídia social específico, que amamentaram pelo menos um filho por > sete meses. Dados foram coletados entre novembro de 2020 e março de 2021. Resultados: temas: A volta ao mundo das atividades fora do lar; Ambiente no trabalho: rotinas, oportunidades e dificuldades para manter a amamentação. Considerações Finais: a vivência das mulheres revela um cotidiano com dificuldades de conciliar o desejo de amamentar e o cenário laboral. Rede de apoio e a adaptação na rotina alimentar da criança foram estratégias adotadas para minimizar os riscos de desmame. Os resultados mostram a necessidade de consolidação das políticas de incentivo ao aleitamento continuado no mercado de trabalho.
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Chan K, Whitfield KC. Article: "Too Old" and "Too Cold": Discomfort Towards Photographs of Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy and Public Breastfeeding in Nova Scotia, Canada. J Hum Lact 2022; 38:353-363. [PMID: 34549657 PMCID: PMC9016677 DOI: 10.1177/08903344211046191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social norms and public perception of breastfeeding are well-established predictors of breastfeeding outcomes; however, little is known about perceptions of breastfeeding beyond infancy or public breastfeeding among the public in Nova Scotia, Canada. RESEARCH AIM To explore public opinion about breastfeeding beyond infancy and public breastfeeding. METHODS In this cross-sectional study participants were recruited from public spaces in Nova Scotia, Canada. Using photo elicitation methods, participants (N = 229) viewed six photographs of breastfeeding children aged 2 weeks, 13 months, and 2.5 years, one photograph captured at home, and the other in a public space (a café, a store, or outdoors). Participants were asked to score their self-rated comfort with each photograph on a 10.0 cm visual analog scale and asked to share their feelings about each photograph (open-ended responses). RESULTS Mean (SD) visual analog scale comfort scores for photographs differed by location (private, 7.9 [2.2]; public, 7.3 [2.6]; p < .05) and child age (2 weeks, 8.5 [2.0]; 13 months, 7.5 [2.6]; 2.5 years, 6.9 [3.0]; p < .05). Participants who identified as women and parents self-reported significantly higher comfort with all photographs, while younger participants and urban dwellers were generally less comfortable. Open-ended responses varied considerably, but a higher proportion of negative comments were reported for older children feeding in public spaces (e.g., 2.5-year-old in public: "Inappropriate. Indecent. Abnormal."). CONCLUSION Given the importance of social norms in supporting breastfeeding, future public health campaigns should strive to normalize breastfeeding beyond infancy, and in public spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Chan
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kyly C Whitfield
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Goldbort J, Hitt R, Zhuang J. Medical and Nursing Students' Perceptions of and Advice for Extended Breastfeeding: An Exploratory Study. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022:1-8. [PMID: 35138204 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although the health benefits to both mother and child produced by breastfeeding have been documented, and numerous efforts have been made to promote breastfeeding rates in the United States, extended breastfeeding (breastfeeding beyond 12 months) research has been largely overlooked. Guided by the Framework of Integrative Normative Influences on Stigma, this study examined how extended breastfeeding was perceived among medical and nursing students and how perceptions of extended breastfeeding were translated into stigmatizing outcomes including attitudes, behavioral predispositions, and behavioral intention to encourage weaning. One hundred and sixteen medical and nursing students enrolled at a large mid-western University completed an online survey. Participants were asked to provide answers to questions regarding their knowledge of extended breastfeeding, attitudes toward it, perception about stigma associated with breastfeeding, and their behavioral intention to encourage future patients to wean. A lack of knowledge about extended breastfeeding was evident among the medical and nursing students; they also exhibited increasingly negative attitudes toward extended breastfeeding as the child's age increased. Medical and nursing students' behavioral intention to encourage weaning is associated with their pre-dispositional stigma of extended breastfeeding. Addressing stigma and negative attitudes toward extended breastfeeding in pre-healthcare students' curriculum may help future healthcare providers understand that while cultural norms in the United States do not tend toward extended breastfeeding, it is more common in other parts of the world, as well as help them understand health benefits to the child and to the mother.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rose Hitt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
| | - Jie Zhuang
- Department of Communication Studies, Texas Christian University
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Elgersma KM, Sommerness SA. What Does It Mean to Be Breastfed? A Concept Analysis in the Context of Healthcare Research, Clinical Practice, and the Parent Perspective. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs 2021; 35:305-312. [PMID: 34570045 DOI: 10.1097/jpn.0000000000000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 3 decades, there have been attempts to define breastfeeding for scientific research. However, a lack of clarity remains, with concurrent ambiguity in clinical practice and insufficient inclusion of the parent perspective. Furthermore, previous concept analyses of "breastfeeding" may not fully represent what it means for an infant to be breastfed. Therefore, this concept analysis sought to define "breastfed" in the context of Western healthcare research, clinical practice, and the parent perspective. Informed by Rodgers' evolutionary method, a literature search resulted in 16 representative articles, with related terms, attributes, antecedents, and consequences identified. Analysis of the literature resulted in a theoretical definition of breastfed as a valuable process, experience, or characteristic that involves human milk consumption by an infant through a variety of delivery methods. To be breastfed relies on the existence of lactation, whether from a parent or another source, and depends upon the intentional decision of a birthing person, caregiver, or provider. It is recommended that healthcare providers and institutions adopt this inclusive definition, committing to a linguistic and conceptual distinction between a breastfed infant and direct breastfeeding. Increased clarity may improve comparability between studies, reporting to government agencies, provider communication, and supportive, family-centered care.
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