Jan Pratt

Breastfeeding Duration in an Australian Population: The Influence of Modifiable Antenatal Factors:

Despite well-documented health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies, most women discontinue breastfeeding before the recommended 12 months to 2 years. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of modifiable antenatal variables on breastfeeding outcomes. A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 300 pregnant, Australian women. Questionnaires containing variables of interest were administered to women during their last trimester; infant feeding method was assessed at 1 week and 4 months postpartum. Intended breastfeeding duration and breastfeeding self-efficacy were identified as the most significant modifiable variables predictive of breastfeeding outcomes. Mothers who intended to breastfeed for < 6 months were 2.4 times as likely to have discontinued breastfeeding at 4 months compared to those who intended to breastfeed for > 12 months (35.7% vs 87.5%). Similarly, mothers with high breastfeeding self-efficacy were more likely to be breastfeeding compared to mothers with low self-efficacy (79.3% vs 50.0%). J Hum Lact. 20(1):30-38.

Contemporary child health nursing practice: services provided and challenges faced in metropolitan and outer Brisbane areas

This paper describes the findings of a qualitative study that sought to identify the changing role of the child health nurse within the contemporary health service environment. Using a case study design, a picture of contemporary child health nursing services in Brisbane and surrounding areas was established. Contemporary services include both individual consultations with mothers and their children, group education sessions, parent management clinics, and parenting programs. These contemporary services represent a significant shift in focus from original infant welfare services established in the early 20th century, but are also similar in their aim of providing education and support for women and their families in the community setting.

Learning About Baby: What New Mothers Would Like to Know

As part of a larger research project to evaluate a new model of care for first-time mothers in a community health-care setting, this study aimed to identify the preparation and information needs of first-time mothers. All first-time mothers attending a selection of community child health centers in Brisbane, Australia, who presented with no overt risk factors and with a thriving child, were invited to participate in the study. Three months after mothers entered the service, data were collected via telephone survey (N = 151). In addition, focus group interviews were conducted 7–9 months following entry to the service (n = 8). Participants reported seeking information from a variety of sources during pregnancy. Few participants felt well prepared for managing either the physical or emotional experience of early mothering or the essential maternal and child health issues and common problems in the early months. Findings suggest that current approaches to care and education may not meet the needs of first-time mothers. Different approaches are suggested to enhance women’s maternal competence during the first few months of becoming a new mother.

Nurse-led educational interventions on cancer pain outcomes for oncology outpatients: a systematic review

BACKGROUND Cancer pain management is still unsatisfactory, although some effective guidelines exist. Educational interventions are reported to be useful in pain relief for oncology outpatients. AIM The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate the effects of nurse-led educational interventions on improving cancer pain outcomes for oncology patients, and to establish an effective cancer pain protocol for clinical nursing practice in China. METHODS A three-step search strategy was utilized. Eight databases were searched using the standards provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute that guided article selection, critical appraisal, data collection and data synthesis. RESULTS A total of 1093 studies were identified through a literature search. Only six studies complied with the inclusion criteria and were found to be methodologically sound. In general, the included studies indicated positive results pertaining to patients knowledge and attitudes towards analgesics and cancer pain management and decreased pain intensity. Studies reported minimal effects of intervention on anxiety, depression, satisfaction regarding cancer pain management and patients quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Educational interventions were reported as effective methods to improve cancer pain outcomes. Analysis of the six included studies demonstrated the overall positive effects of nurse-led educational interventions for improving cancer pain management. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY The results suggest that an effective cancer pain protocol for improving cancer pain management can be established in China.