Healthcare Awareness Research Articles

The Phenomenon and Determinants of Healthcare Service Utilization for Older Adults With Multimorbidity in China: An Explanatory, Mixed-Method Study.

The objective of this study was to explore the phenomenon and determinants of healthcare service utilization in Chinese older adults with multimorbidity. We adopted a mixed-methods explanatory design from July 2022 to May 2023. The quantitative research was a social network analysis to explore the phenomenon of healthcare service utilization in target participants. The quantitative results were further interpreted as the participant's propensity for healthcare services and the potential for information sharing between healthcare providers through shared patients. Logistic regression was conducted to identify individual determinants for healthcare service utilization. The quantitative research was followed by qualitative interviews with stakeholders to deeply understand the phenomenon of interest from the individual, healthcare system, and societal perspectives. We recruited 321 participants for the quantitative study. They preferred using medication services from primary healthcare providers, pharmacists at private pharmacies, and hospital specialists, and preferred using other services from hospital specialists. Dense relationships arose from shared patients among healthcare providers across various professions and settings, making it possible to share patient information. Primary healthcare providers were particularly important in the process, as they were closely related to others through patient sharing. Health status was identified through logistic regression and qualitative interviews as an individual determinant for healthcare service utilization. More determinants were explored in qualitative interviews with 30 stakeholders, including trust, resource allocation, healthcare accessibility, medical treatment process, and healthcare awareness. Strategies should be proposed to intervene with patients' nonoptimal propensity toward healthcare services and promote information sharing among healthcare providers.

Evaluation of a transgender health training program for pharmacists and pharmacy students in Australia: A pre-post study

BackgroundDisparities in healthcare for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are well-recognized, with pharmacists reporting a lack of knowledge impacting confidence in their interactions with TGD people. Therefore, a training program in TGD healthcare was designed to address this knowledge gap. ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the TGD healthcare training program on the awareness, knowledge, and behaviour of pharmacists and pharmacy students in Australia. MethodAn online training program was evaluated by pre-and post-test surveys, which assessed the knowledge and awareness of participants, and three-month post-training interviews, which examined the effect of training on pharmacists' practice when providing care to TGD people. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, content and thematic analysis. ResultFifty-six pharmacists and twenty-one pharmacy students completed the training and pre-and post-test surveys. Ten pharmacists were interviewed post-training. There was a significant improvement in the awareness (pharmacists, p ≤0.001; students, p = 0.006), knowledge (pharmacists and students, p ≤0.001) and total (pharmacists and students, p ≤0.001) post-test scores for both groups. Interviewed participants found the training program comprehensive and relevant to their practice. ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that educational interventions improve TGD healthcare awareness and knowledge for pharmacists and students with the potential to improve healthcare provision to TGD people and promote inclusivity in society.

Perception of Fomite Route of Transmission, Usage of Masks and Role of Saliva in coronavirus Disease-19 Infections: A Cross-sectional Survey among Dental Health Care Professionals in Saudi Arabia

Background: Coronavirus Disease-19 has been spreading globally with the rise of many variants after being declared as a pandemic on 11th March 2020. There is a lack of scientific literature focused on fomite transmission of COVID-19, especially the potential of saliva as a contributing factor in the spread and diagnosis of COVID-19 in dental healthcare practice. Hence, the aim was to comprehend the level of awareness of dental health care professionals/practitioners (DHCPs) about the role of fomite route of transmission and the role of saliva in Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) infections. Methods: An electronic questionnaire using Google Forms was circulated online after ethical approval and validation to dental health practitioners in Saudi Arabia, via emails and social media platforms. Results: Three hundred and eighty-nine responses were recorded. The female DHCPs had statistically significant awareness of the fomite route of transmission among various dental health professionals (p=0.04) and dental students, and dental interns had the maximum awareness (p<0.05). The DHCPS preferred to learn and collect nasopharyngeal specimens by themselves for COVID-19 testing. Doctoral DHCPs had maximum awareness about WHO guidelines for social distancing, while dental nurses were more informed about infection control methods against COVID-19. Conclusion: DHCPs have adequate information about the fomite route of transmission and the role of saliva in COVID-19. Saliva specimen collection is specifically preferred for COVID-19 testing by dental assistants and hygienists for testing in the dental health center/clinic/university. The DHCPs and dental hygienists were less aware of the fomite route of transmission through asymptomatic COVID-19 infected patients.

Elder Abuse-the Need for Increased Awareness, Assessment, and Reporting in Health Care

Elder Abuse-the Need for Increased Awareness, Assessment, and Reporting in Health Care

Muslim Communities’ Healthcare Needs and Barriers

Despite being nearly a quarter of the population, Muslim communities’ unique healthcare needs are largely unmet. In this literature review, we highlight the largely unsatisfied and growing healthcare needs of Muslims by examining the unique illnesses that Muslims are commonly susceptible to because of their religious or socioeconomic conditions. We examine their vulnerability to diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, and vaccine-preventable illnesses. We also analyze the numerous healthcare barriers present in developing, Muslim-majority countries and in developed countries in the West. Drawing from published studies, we emphasize the importance of government investment in healthcare and cultural awareness in health workers to address barriers and ensure Muslims’ equitable access to care. We explore the complexities of healthcare access and delivery for Muslims, particularly in contexts where religious practices intersect with medical requirements. We also highlight gaps in current research, urging further investigation into unexplored areas such as broad, global studies and the involvement of religious leaders in Muslim communities.

Vocal fatigue of kindergarten teachers in China and its influential factors: a chain mediating model

ABSTRACT To explore the chain mediating effect of teacher–child conflict and sleeping disorders between work intensification on vocal fatigue of kindergarten teachers, 847 kindergarten teachers in China were investigated using the Work Intensification Scale, Teacher–Child Relationship Scale (TCRS), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI). Data were analyzed by JASP 0.14.1 and structural equation model was built through Mplus8.3. It showed that there were significant differences in vocal fatigue of kindergarten teachers in areas, age and education level. Work intensification, teacher–child conflict and sleeping disorders were positively correlated with vocal fatigue of kindergarten teachers after controlling for demographic variables such as the nature of the kindergarten, geographic areas, gender, age and education level of the teachers. In the multiple mediation model, work intensification could directly predict vocal fatigue of kindergarten teachers significantly through the mediating role of sleeping disorders but not teacher–child conflict. Moreover, teacher–child conflict and sleeping disorders had a chain mediating effect between work intensification and vocal fatigue of kindergarten teachers. So the government and education authorities should reduce the workload of kindergarten teachers, vocal training should be included in the curriculum of preschool education in universities, and it's necessary to strengthen the pre-service and post-service kindergarten teachers’ training about voice using so as to improve the health care awareness. Teachers should develop communication skills to create effective interactions between teachers and children, and good environment should be created by mindful training to improve sleeping.

The magnitude of health care seeking delay and associated factors for tuberculosis suggestive symptoms in Sidama Region Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealth care seeking delay for tuberculosis suggestive symptoms is a great challenge for controlling the disease. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the magnitude and identify factors associated with delayed healthcare seeking among presumptive tuberculosis cases for suggestive tuberculosis symptoms. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 476 subjects with symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, entered into Epi-data software version 3.1, and exported to SPSS software version 25.0 for analysis. The multivariable logistic regression models included variables like sex, marital status, knowledge, education level, and distance from health facility that show a significant association with health care seeking delay in the binary logistic regression at a P value 0.25. Tables, graphs, and charts were then used to display the results. ResultThe proportion of delayed health care seeking was found to be 46.7 % (95 % CI, 43.5–48.9). The study also revealed that being married, not attending formal education, having a lower monthly income, and having poor knowledge of tuberculosis were significantly associated with delayed tuberculosis-suggestive symptoms. ConclusionIn this study, delays in health care seeking among TB-suspected patients were high compared to the Ethiopian Ministry of Health target. Different systems should be built to increase community awareness of health care.

Young Innovators in Behavioral Health Awards announced

The Behavioral Health Tech conference, the largest conference focused on expanding access to mental health and substance use services through technology and innovation, on Oct. 19 announced the winners of its inaugural awards program, the Young Innovators in Behavioral Health Awards, according to a conference press release. Created in partnership with Hopelab and Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, the awards recognize 30 young leaders who have made significant contributions to the access, awareness and advancement of digital mental health care in the U.S. “Young innovators are rightfully demanding a more central role in defining solutions to problems they see play out in their everyday lives, and their contributions are clearly making a positive impact on mental health across the nation,” said Solome Tibebu, founder and CEO of Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech. “We're beyond proud of this year's winners of the Young Innovators in Behavioral Health Awards and look forward to providing them with the resources, guidance and support they need to continue showcasing their ideas and digital solutions that are creating a better, healthier future for everyone.”

Adaptation to heat and concomitant environmental risks in Europe: a GAP Analysis

Abstract Background Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme events like heatwaves, wildfires and droughts. Within the ENBEL project, a GAP analysis was carried out to provide evidence on vulnerability factors of concomitant environmental risks during heat waves and promote the implementation of public health response. Aim To assess the level of implementation of heat wave and co-exposures (air pollution, wildfires and drought) response actions and to identify gaps and needs for public health adaptation in Europe. Methods A scoping review was performed to identify clinical and social vulnerabilities to heatwaves and concomitant exposures and prevention measures in place. Interviews with key stakeholders will provide additional information on response measures addressed to vulnerable groups as well as identifying needs and gaps for adaptation. Furthermore, an assessment of how Covid-19 recovery plans and funding in Europe are supporting climate adaptation and health care resilience was carried out. Results From the literature review interventions mainly focused on outdoor workers and athletes, include guidance, plans and actions on hydration, rest in the shade, cooling clothes and food, as well as acclimatization procedures. The elderly are among those consistently targeted in heat prevention plans, with health and social care surveillance, tele-medicine and awareness campaigns carried out during summer in several high-income countries. Regarding multiple environmental exposures, studies on preventive measures are scarce, and stakeholders reported the need for further research, sharing of knowledge and evaluation of measures to enhance action. Conclusions Although Covid-19 recovery funding is providing marginal benefits for health systems resilience, key barriers to climate adaptation still remain in terms of limited resources, personnel capacity; governance constraints and unclear policy remit.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening among Female Pharmacy Students at a Public University in a Southern Region of Saudi Arabia.

Despite the availability of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and screening facilities at various health centers in Saudi Arabia, the annual death rate due to cervical cancer is high. Therefore, knowledge and awareness are essential for self-care and educating others, particularly among healthcare students. The present descriptive, cross-sectional study explored female pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer. A total of 140 students participated in the survey. The survey was conducted for the period between April 2022 to September 2023. We observed a good knowledge score and positive attitudes among 8.5% and 93.5% of participants, respectively. A total of 10% of the study participants reported good practice scores. Most participants had never been screened for cervical cancer (94.3%). Among the non-screened subjects, feeling healthy and lacking information were the participants' significant reasons for not screening for cervical cancer. A positive history of cancer related to smoking significantly impacted the knowledge score (p = 0.050). The current study reveals that healthcare awareness programs for cervical cancer and HPV vaccination are necessary at the level of educational institutions to improve public health.

The Present and Future Aspects of Life-Long Pertussis Prevention: Narrative Review with Regional Perspectives for Türkiye.

Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, remains one of the most widespread, contagious, and vaccine-preventable diseases. It results in notable morbidity and mortality as well as severe medical, social, and economic burden. Despite high global vaccine coverage, pertussis continues to be a significant epidemiologic problem, with outbreak episodes every few years just as in the pre-vaccination era. In Türkiye, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the current burden of pertussis in different age and risk groups, leading to underdiagnosis and underreporting of the disease, especially in adults who are often not considered at risk. Available data from Türkiye also reveal inadequate levels of protective antibodies in preterm newborns, emphasizing the need for additional preventive measures. Authors stated that improving physician awareness of pertussis symptoms in patients with prolonged cough, increasing access to routine pertussis tests, and conducting surveillance studies would aid in accurate diagnosis and reporting in Türkiye. As the Turkish Ministry of Health Antenatal Care Management Guide suggests routine second and thirdpregnancy check-up visits at weeks 18-24 and 28-32 correspondingly,this period can be considered the ideal vaccination time for Türkiye. Introducing a booster dose of Tdap at around 10years of age or during national military service would reduce transmission and protect susceptible individuals. Identifying individuals at high risk of severe pertussis and prioritizing them for a booster dose is also crucial in Türkiye. Enhancing surveillance systems, increasing healthcare professionals' awareness through training, and organizing catch-up visits for missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic are mentioned as additional strategies to improve pertussis prevention in Türkiye. This review focuses on the global and regional burden of pertussis and obstacles to effective prevention and evaluates existing strategies to achieve lifelong pertussis prevention. Literature and current strategies were also discussed from a Turkish national standpoint.

KESADARAN TENAGA KESEHATAN DALAM PENCEGAHAN INFEKSI NOSOKOMIAL DENGAN PERILAKU MENCUCI TANGAN

Nosocomial infections are infections that are acquired or occurred in hospitals and are still a major health problem in the world. Hospitals as complex health units require good human resource management to provide optimal health care and prevent the spread of infections. Nosokomial infections can occur due to a number of factors, one of which is low awareness of the health energy of washing hands. The study aims to find out how high the level of healthcare awareness in Indonesia is in washing hands to prevent nosokomial infections and the factors that influence them. This study uses a literature review method using 11 literature sources from Google Scholar and Garuda. The results of this study are that the majority of health workers in Indonesia have had a good awareness in washing hands with a ratio of 44% – 77.4%. The author suggests to improve and strengthen hand washing behavior for health workers.

Acute Myocardial Infarction in Young Individuals: Demographic and Risk Factor Profile, Clinical Features, Angiographic Findings and In-Hospital Outcome.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality and disability. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in young individuals is a rare condition but can cause devastating socioeconomic and psychological consequences for both the patient and their family and an economic burden for the government. There is a paucity of data concerning the specific profile of these young patients in Bulgaria, a country with a high burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the baseline characteristics, demographic and risk factor profile, clinical features, angiographic findings and in-hospital outcomes of young patients with AMI. Additionally, these data were compared to those of the older age group. Retrospective data on 172 patients treated for AMI in "Prof. Alexandar Tschirkov", Bulgaria, from January 2018 to December 2021 were collected for the purpose of this study. Baseline characteristics, risk factor profileand clinical and angiographic features were compared in young (≤45 years) and older patients (>45 years). Males were significantly predominant in the two age groups (p < 0.01), with an obviously increasing proportion of females in the older age group. Young patients were more likely to be smokers (55.7% vs. 28.8%; p=0.001); in contrast, hypertension (70.5% vs. 91.9%; p <0.001) and obesity (16.4% vs. 31.5%; p=0.031) were more prevalent in older patients. Anterior localization of myocardial infarction (MI) wasmost common in the two age groups (47.5% vs. 41.4%), respectively. Regarding the time delay from symptom onset to first medical contact, we found that young patients tended to present earlier than their older counterparts. Young patients had a higher incidence of single vessel disease (SVD) (49.2%) and nonobstructive coronary disease (NOCD) (11.5%) than older patients. Young patients with AMI had a lower in-hospital morbidity rate than older patients, but the in-hospital mortality, although lower, was not significantly different. A high prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (RFs), such as smoking, dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension (AH), among the young group, less evolved CADand similar high procedural success between age groups were established. Approximately 30% of young patients tend to present late in the hospital. The in-hospital mortality in the young population was lower than that in the older population but was still relatively higher than that previously reported. The reported high prevalence of modifiable RFs and late presentation of young patients with AMI highlight the need for early recognition of these RFs, better prevention, deployment of educational programs, easy access to health care and high awareness of clinicians to reduce disability and mortality from CVD.

A Study of Misconceptions About Appendicitis Among the Resident Population of the Aseer Region.

Appendicitis is a common abdominal emergency requiring swift medical intervention. Misconceptions about this condition can lead to delayed diagnosis and potentially life-threatening complications. In the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia, where healthcare accessibility and awareness levels vary, addressing such misconceptions is of paramount importance. The aim of this study is to investigate and identify the prevalent misconceptions regarding appendicitis among the resident population of the Aseer region. Understanding the prevalent misconceptions and knowledge gaps is essential to develop targeted educational interventions and enhance public awareness. This study utilized a cross-sectional study design to investigate misconceptions about appendicitis among residents in the Aseer region. Over a period of three months, 329 Aseer region resident population were interviewed.The symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures of appendicitis were all covered in a questionnaire that was created to gather information on people's knowledge of appendicitis.Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages, while inferential analysis employed appropriate statistical tests such as chi-square. The study's 329 participants were made up of 56% men and 44% women. 40%of the sample size was between the ages of 18 and 30, 26% were between the ages of 31 and 40, 15% were between the ages of 41 and 50, and 10% were above 50 years, with those under the age of 18 years accounting for the smallest proportion (9%). The majority of the respondents (37%) were college graduates, 25% were college students, 23% were in high school and 15% were in middle school. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the associations between background knowledge and pain area, as well as between background knowledge and source of information. For the association between background knowledge and pain area, the Chi-square test yielded a significant result (X² = 9.104, p = 0.028); the Chi-square test also revealed a significant result (X² = 8.078, p = 0.044) between background knowledge and the source of information about appendicitis. The analysis suggests a notable knowledge gap among the participants, with a significant portion displaying limited understanding or responding with "I don't know" when queried about appendicitis. It is important to note that this observation includes middle school students, who may be too young to be expected to possess knowledge about medical conditions. Additionally, there appears to be gender-related variation in opinions, misconceptions, and understanding regarding appendicitis.

Meaning of community activity participation for older adults in couple households

ObjectiveCurrently, 65.3% of older adults in Japan live in couple households. If one partner dies, the other may be unable to reconstruct their lifestyles, have health problems, or become isolated. Participation in community activities helps them maintain physical, mental, and social health. This study aimed to clarify the meaning of participation in community activities among older adults in couple households. MethodsSemi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data. In February 2019, six adults aged 65 and above who had lived with their spouses for at least one year and continuously participated in community activities were interviewed in Miyazaki City, Japan. Data were analyzed using the KJ method (a qualitative method that organizes ideas in a bottom-up fashion developed by Kawakita Jiro), supervised by a professional instructor. ResultsThe results revealed seven symbols using this method: 1) building a cooperative relationship with a spouse: respect the willingness to work hard for members; 2) consideration for relationships with other organizations: pay attention to every detail; 3) proactive attitude: don’t leave everything to others, 4) attitude of questioning one’s way of being: myself in connection to others, 5) connection among participants: increased awareness directed toward others, 6) spiritual fulfillment: time, place, and opportunity for outings, 7) physical and mental self-control for continued community activities: growing awareness of health care. ConclusionsFor older adults in couple households, it is found that participation in community activities helps them receive support from their spouses and gain a proactive attitude, and the connection between participants contributes to physical and mental control and also improves their health.

Addressing the challenges facing the paramedic profession in the United Kingdom.

The paramedic profession within the United Kingdom has been evolving at pace over the last 20years. While they are most associated with their work in ambulance services, paramedics are now found throughout a range of clinical and academic settings. Literature Review. Despite emergence of the paramedic across the healthcare workforce, the understanding and awareness of the professional role and capabilities is poor. This could be due to a lack of representation within senior leadership roles and within health and social care policy. Understanding of the paramedic professional identity, from a philosophical and sociological perspective, remains incomplete. A challenge for the future is to explore how the paramedic role can continue to develop across a range of clinical settings, while retaining its sui generis professional identity. Research to establish perspectives of and about the paramedic profession may assist in developing an understanding of identity and its place within the wider healthcare workforce.

Increasing Cochlear Implant Awareness in Hearing and Primary Health Care

Increasing Cochlear Implant Awareness in Hearing and Primary Health Care

Nutritional screening among paediatric indigenous population in Malaysia: a pilot study

Introduction: Undernutrition is a serious health problem in developing countries. The prevalence of undernutrition is deemed higher among the indigenous community in many developing countries, owing to their relatively lower socioeconomic status, lack of healthcare awareness and essential needs, as well as poor sanitation facilities. We aimed to assess the nutritional status among children within a single indigenous community in Kampung Gabai, Malaysia. Materials and methods: We conducted a pilot study on the nutritional status of the paediatric population of the Orang Asli community in Kampung Gabai by assessingtheir anthropometric indices during a medical camp, as this community had never been assessed before. Anthropometric indices were based on heights, mid-upper arm circumferences and head circumferences of 21 children aged between 2 to 14 years. Additionally, skin evaluation and otoscopic examinations were performed in the same setting. Results: The prevalence of stunting was 38.1% among the children in Kampung Gabai. The height-for-age Z score distribution of the children skewed slightly to the left in comparison to the World Health Organization standard. The midupper-arm circumferences and the head circumferences of children who were less than 5 years old were within the normal range. The children generally had normal otoscopic and skin findings. Conclusion: This preliminary study concluded that the prevalence of stunting is high among indigenous children in a single community in Malaysia.

Evaluating the Impact of Mental Health Training on Awareness of Common Mental Disorders among Community Health Officers in Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh

Mental health constitutes an integral dimension of overall well-being, significantly influencing individuals' quality of life and societal harmony. In rural regions, like Madhya Pradesh, accessing adequate mental health care often poses substantial challenges due to various barriers. This study aims to evaluate the impact of training on the awareness of common mental disorders (CMDs) among Community Health Officers (CHOs) in Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh. Using a quasi-experimental design, 42 CHOs from Health &amp; Wellness Centres in the Raisen district participated in a comprehensive two-day training program covering CMD identification, assessment, and management. Baseline knowledge assessment revealed a moderate pre-training score of 18.2 out of 30, while the post-training score significantly improved to 26.8. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of such training interventions in enhancing mental health care awareness and proficiency within underserved communities ultimately contributing to improved accessibility and quality of mental health care in rural settings.

Barriers to optimal breastfeeding of medically complex children in the UK paediatric setting: a mixed methods survey of healthcare professionals.

Breastfeeding is indisputably significant for infants and children, as well as their mothers. However, when breastfed children are admitted to the paediatric ward, they may experience breastfeeding modification due to clinical challenges, lack of staff training and institutional barriers. Although previous research has identified multiple barriers to optimal feeding within the maternity, neonatal and community settings, we know less about the barriers that exist in paediatrics. Paediatric healthcare staff attitudes, training and awareness as well as ward culture are likely to have an impact on the experiences of families but are relatively unresearched in the paediatric setting, especially with regard to the multidisciplinary nature of clinical paediatric care. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes, awareness and perceived barriers to effective breastfeeding support provision, as well as healthcare professional perception of barriers for families. This was a mixed methods study utilising a questionnaire which was completed by 409 healthcare professionals who identified as working within the paediatric setting. It included responses from paediatricians of all training grades, nurses, healthcare assistants and allied health professionals. Qualitative data from professionals were analysed to develop themes around professional and perceived parent barriers to optimal breastfeeding. This study explored the barriers experienced by staff, as well as professionals' perception of parent barriers. These included lack of knowledge of how to help, a default formula culture, the pressure of maintaining strict fluid balance and breastfeeding being a low priority in the face of critical illness. Of the paediatric departments represented by this sample of healthcare professionals, most had a relatively poor culture of supporting breastfeeding, with multiple institutional barriers identified. Most professionals felt that there was not enough support for breastfeeding families on an average shift, and a large proportion identified as being one of just a few breastfeeding advocates on their ward. In this relatively motivated and experienced sample of healthcare professionals, there were many identified barriers to optimal breastfeeding which could potentially be addressed by training that is carefully nuanced for the paediatric population. Ensuring that paediatric multidisciplinary healthcare professionals have sufficient skills and knowledge would address the identified challenge of poor awareness of breastfeeding and of how to overcome clinical lactation obstacles. Further improvements at policy level need to address the systemic lack of resourcing in paediatrics, as well as the lack of embedded breastfeeding-friendly organisational structures.