Public Health Nurses’ Competence Related to Long‐Term Breastfeeding in the Context of Maternity and Child Health Clinics
2025

Public Health Nurses' Competence in Long-Term Breastfeeding

Sample size: 270 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Oona Ojantausta, Niina Pöyhönen, Marja Kaunonen, Heini Huhtala, Riikka Ikonen

Primary Institution: Tampere University

Hypothesis

To what extent do public health nurses have accurate knowledge and skills about long-term breastfeeding?

Conclusion

Public health nurses lack competence in relation to long-term breastfeeding, which may compromise the quality of breastfeeding guidance for families in healthcare settings.

Supporting Evidence

  • 55.9% of public health nurses had a good level of knowledge and skills.
  • 70.7% of respondents had a positive attitude toward long-term breastfeeding.
  • Better competence was associated with younger age and parenthood.

Takeaway

This study shows that many public health nurses don't feel confident about helping mothers breastfeed for a long time, which is important for both moms and kids.

Methodology

Quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study using an online survey to assess knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to long-term breastfeeding.

Potential Biases

Self-selection bias may have influenced who chose to participate, potentially skewing results.

Limitations

The study used a self-selected sample, which may introduce bias, and results may not be generalizable to other countries.

Participant Demographics

The median age of respondents was 37 years, with 85.2% having children of their own.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/phn.13457

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication