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The sexual behaviour of US youth places them at risk of negative outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. The US Centres for Disease Control recommend a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and relationships to improve these outcomes. Yet, sexuality education across the country, especially in the US South, remains insufficient. Peer sexuality education programmes are a method to improve knowledge and influence risky sexual behaviours. However, support for such programmes is often limited in higher education. Partnerships across different types of higher education institutions may enhance feasibility through resource sharing. This study analysed data from focus group discussions with faculty/staff and students (6 groups, n = 18 faculty/staff, n = 21 students) at three different higher education institutions in North Carolina. Participants provided perspectives on institution-specific facilitators and barriers to discussing sexual health on campus. Perceived facilitators and barriers were similar between the predominantly white institution and the historically Black college/university, while the community college presented unique logistical issues that should be considered when developing peer sexuality education programmes.

Miscarriage is a pervasive and socioemotionally complex pregnancy complication. Evidence suggests that poor clinical management can worsen these experiences. Yet, assessments of healthcare communication during a miscarriage are limited and a systematic review of the literature is needed. This review identified and synthesized original research on miscarriage and healthcare communication in the United States from the past 20 years to identify existing knowledge gaps for future miscarriage research. The following databases were searched: PubMed, PsychINFO, and ERIC Database. Data were charted according to Arksey and O'Malley's Scoping Review Framework. Eleven articles were included in the review and three primary themes emerged: (a) patients overwhelmingly prefer patient-centered care; (b) miscarriage is often overmedicalized, which leads to poor communication; and (c) informed decision-making related to one's miscarriage can improve patient experiences. Several gaps were also identified, including studies seeking physician perspectives on miscarriage communication, evaluation of standard care guidelines, and studies evaluating diverse patients' perspectives. This review highlights the need for patient-centered care that utilizes compassionate and accessible language and promotes informed decision-making. Future research should use quantitative methodologies and longitudinal designs to build upon these findings and improve patient experiences of miscarriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Comprehensive prenatal education on infant feeding is recommended by many United States health organizations because of the need to maximize maternal preparedness for managing lactation physiology. Ready, Set, BABY (RSB) is a curriculum developed for counseling women about breastfeeding benefits and management including education on optimal maternity care practices. We hypothesized that RSB would be acceptable to mothers and that mothers' strength of breastfeeding intentions would increase, and their comfort with the idea of formula feeding would decrease after educational counseling using the materials. We also hypothesized that mothers' knowledge of optimal maternity care practices would increase after participation. Methods: Materials were sent to a total of seven sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. Local health care practitioners completed training before counseling mothers with the curriculum. A pre‐ and postintervention questionnaire was administered to participants. Statistical analysis of results included paired t tests, Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests, and McNemar's tests. Results: Four hundred and sixteen expectant women participated. In the pre‐ and postintervention comparison, maternal participation in RSB significantly improved Infant Feeding Intentions Scale scores (P < 0.001) and knowledge of Baby‐Friendly recommended maternity care practices (P < 0.001), while significantly decreasing comfort with the idea of formula feeding (P < 0.001). The education materials were positively rated by participants. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the approach of using RSB in prenatal counseling group classes or individual sessions improves breastfeeding intentions. Future testing is needed to determine the effectiveness of the materials for impacting breastfeeding outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Comprehensive prenatal education on infant feeding is recommended by many United States health organizations because of the need to maximize maternal preparedness for managing lactation physiology. Ready, Set, BABY (RSB) is a curriculum developed for counseling women about breastfeeding benefits and management including education on optimal maternity care practices. We hypothesized that RSB would be acceptable to mothers and that mothers' strength of breastfeeding intentions would increase, and their comfort with the idea of formula feeding would decrease after educational counseling using the materials. We also hypothesized that mothers' knowledge of optimal maternity care practices would increase after participation., Methods: Materials were sent to a total of seven sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. Local health care practitioners completed training before counseling mothers with the curriculum. A pre- and postintervention questionnaire was administered to participants. Statistical analysis of results included paired t tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and McNemar's tests., Results: Four hundred and sixteen expectant women participated. In the pre- and postintervention comparison, maternal participation in RSB significantly improved Infant Feeding Intentions Scale scores (P < 0.001) and knowledge of Baby-Friendly recommended maternity care practices (P < 0.001), while significantly decreasing comfort with the idea of formula feeding (P < 0.001). The education materials were positively rated by participants., Conclusions: The findings indicate that the approach of using RSB in prenatal counseling group classes or individual sessions improves breastfeeding intentions. Future testing is needed to determine the effectiveness of the materials for impacting breastfeeding outcomes., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)