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

Abstract

Aim: To explore public health nurses' competence (namely knowledge, skills, and attitudes) in relation to long-term breastfeeding and their experience of the need for additional training on the subject. Design: The study design was quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional. Sample: Public health nurses (n = 270). Methods: Data were collected with the Long-Term Breastfeeding Competence Scale (LBCS) online survey. Data analysis was done with Spearman's correlation analysis and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Slightly more than half of the respondents had a good level of knowledge and skills. The majority had a baseline positive attitude toward long-term breastfeeding, but the attitude became more negative as the age of the breastfed child increased. Better competence was associated with younger age, parenthood, an additional degree in midwifery, and breastfeeding specialist certification. Knowledge and skills, and attitudes revealed a high correlation: the higher the knowledge and skills level, the more positive attitudes. Respondents with better knowledge and skills experienced more often the need for additional training on the subject. Conclusions: This study addresses that public health nurses lack competence in relation to long-term breastfeeding. This may compromise the quality of breastfeeding guidance for families in healthcare settings.