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Background In the UK, rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months are at 1%, highlighting the need to encourage and improve the support provided to women to initiate and continue breastfeeding and to improve infant and maternal health. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the influence of media on the intention to initiate and continue breastfeeding. Methods This ethnographic study recruited 40 women; 31 with children and nine of childbearing age (19–28 years), with the intention to have children. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Five themes associated with sociocultural influences on breastfeeding perceptions and behaviour were identified: family influence, privacy, media as a double-edged sword, negative exposure to breastfeeding and planned behaviour versus experience. Conclusions Media influences strengthened preconceived notions of breastfeeding. Social media can play an important role in maintaining breastfeeding though support but can also put undue negative pressure on mothers who struggle to breastfeed.

Management of pituitary conditions can be problematic with many patients experiencing long-term psychological and social difficulties that impact on their quality of life. This study aimed to identify psychosocial symptoms associated with pituitary conditions that lead to poor quality of life and identify differences in symptomatology between patient groups. A survey using measures of psychological and social symptoms was sent to 2000 members of the Pituitary Foundation in January 2016. The survey was completed by 1062 patients (683 female), aged under 18 to over 65 years, using categorical age ranges. Physical and psychosocial symptoms including appearance issues, fatigue, anxiety and depression were reported. Using correlational and regression analyses, significant variation in symptoms were identified across gender, age range and condition type that were impairing patients' long-term functioning and impacting quality of life. There is a need for greater patient information and advice surrounding psychosocial symptoms of pituitary conditions.

Background Breastfeeding rates at 6 months in the UK have remained low in recent years, highlighting a need to better understand the factors that influence breastfeeding behaviour. Aim To investigate factors that influence breastfeeding behaviour in the UK and to understand the role of health professionals in promoting and facilitating breastfeeding. Methods Participants with breastfeeding experience (n=1505) completed an online survey, with 30 agreeing to be interviewed. Survey data were analysed using quantitative content analysis and a mixed thematic approach was employed to analyse interview data. Themes were derived from triangulation of survey and interview data. Results The survey identified a range of feeding complications. Thematic analysis identified four themes related to factors influencing breastfeeding: attitudes, availability of information, birthing experience and maternal mental health. Conclusions Healthcare professionals play an important role in the decision to breastfeed. It is essential that appropriate support and information is made available from early in pregnancy and throughout the breastfeeding journey. Particular support and advice is needed for those who have experienced traumatic births or are struggling with poor mental health.

Background: Pituitary patients often experience psychosocial symptoms associated with their condition. Aims: To explore the condition management experiences of pituitary patients and their psychosocial symptoms and to explore the impact of these on quality of life. Methods: A sample of 748 individuals aged 18 to more than 65 years) completed a questionnaire relating to quality of life and the psychosocial impact of pituitary conditions. Findings: Analysis of the qualitative sections using content analysis identified four themes: social isolation, emotional and behavioural issues, appearance distress and physical and cognitive effects including fatigue and pain. An overarching theme of hidden disability emerged. Conclusion: The study identified multiple biopsychosocial factors that impact quality of life, with symptoms not visible to others most likely to impact negatively. Nurses are well placed to provide support and information to patients about the possible psychosocial impact of pituitary conditions to enable positive adjustment.