Background Eating healthy, being physically active and breastfeeding can greatly support a new mother’s physiological and psychological health. However, within the United States, only 8.5% of women are meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations and only 35% of women are maintaining their pre-pregnancy physical activity after childbirth. Preliminary investigations suggest barriers such as lack of time and knowledge hinder a breastfeeding woman’s ability to eat well and be physically active. The purpose of this study was to explore women’s perceptions of healthy eating and physical activity while breastfeeding. Methods This qualitative study utilized a 33-question semi-structured interview guide developed using the constructs of Self-Determination Theory. Data were analyzed via the process of immersion/crystallization. Results A total of 24 breastfeeding women completed a roughly 40-min telephone interview. The mean age of the mother was 32 ± .88 and the mean age of the child being breastfed was 8.5 ± 1.4 months old. Findings demonstrate mothers see value in engaging in physical activity primarily for reasons related to self-care. In addition, breastfeeding women have a lack of information and support regarding healthy eating and physical activity while breastfeeding and many are receiving misinformation through resources such as Facebook support groups. Finally, mothers want more resources available that focus specifically on healthy behaviors while breastfeeding. Conclusion Women need greater access to education and resources regarding healthy eating and physical activity while breastfeeding. Ideally, information and resources would come from an educated health professional such as their healthcare provider rather than an internet source.

Youth development professionals (YDPs), working at community-based organizations are in a unique position to interact with the adolescents as they are neither parents/guardians nor teachers. The objectives of this study were to explore qualitatively what sexual health issues adolescents discuss with YDPs and to describe those issues using the framework of the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) comprehensive sexuality education guidelines. YDPs reported conversations with adolescents that included topics related to the SIECUS key concepts of human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, and sexual health.

The purpose of this study was to explore imams' and pastors' perspectives of the health promotion needs of congregants in Bamako, Mali and to examine the physical environment for health promotion in faith-based organizations' (FBOs). In-depth one-on-one interviews were conducted with imams (n = 10) and pastors (n = 2) as well as observations of the physical environment in FBOs in Bamako, Mali. Data were analyzed using a content analysis approach guided by the social ecological model. Leaders frequently mentioned poverty and affordability as challenges perceived by congregants but congregants support each other with financial contributions. The main challenge mentioned was a lack of knowledge among leaders (primarily imams) about health and health programs.

Background Youth development professionals (YDPs) working at community-based organizations (CBOs) can promote adolescent sexual health through programs. This study explored the programs and resources that youth access at CBOs and training YDPs receive. Methods Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with YDPs. Qualitative content analyses were conducted using NVivo. Results Most YDPs (n = 15, 71.4%) described sexuality-related programs for youth. Some YDPs provided informal information (n = 11, 52.4%) and/or referrals for youth (n = 6, 28.6%). Few YDPs (n = 8, 38.1%) were trained to address adolescent sexuality, but some (n = 10, 47.6%) sought outside resources. Conclusions YDPs have a unique opportunity to improve adolescent sexual health and sexuality. Five considerations for organizations that develop programs and training for CBOs are suggested.

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