Technological University Dublin Lecturer in Nutrition Dr Liz O’Sullivan has been awarded €204,626 in funding by the Health Research Board (HRB) for a novel research project focused on improving breastfeeding rates in Ireland. This award will support Dr O’Sullivan in her efforts to explore the demographic and healthcare factors associated with breastfeeding in Ireland, and to develop a national infant feeding survey tool.
The study will involve combining data from multiple sources to understand the low breastfeeding rates in Ireland, and the study design will allow investigators to statistically explore the association between demographic characteristics and healthcare-related variables and breastfeeding outcomes.
In addition, qualitative analyses of written information provided by parents on surveys will also provide insight into the characteristics, practices, and behaviours associated with breastfeeding from the perspective of mothers, as opposed to those considered relevant by researchers.
Chief Executive at the HRB Dr Mairéad O’Driscoll said: “The HRB is committed to advancing health and social care research to improve people’s health and the care that they receive. Dr O’Sullivan’s project will help achieve this by understanding the key factors influencing breastfeeding practices in Ireland to help inform and support decision-making among parents.”
Dr O’Sullivan and her team will collaborate with experts from the HSE, the Health Information Quality Authority, the Central Statistics Office, University College Dublin, University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University, and the patient and public involvement group Bainne Beatha to collect and analyse data from multiple sources. Dr O’Sullivan said she was “thrilled” to receive the funding and “to work on this important issue with such a distinguished team across multiple fields” and disciplines.
“Understanding why breastfeeding rates are lower in Ireland than other countries is crucial to guiding future policy and supporting families with their feeding decisions,” she added.
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