The transition from school to university is associated with social, structural, and behavioral changes. These changes may be related to feelings of loneliness, which are in turn related to morbidity. The authors’ aim was to quantify loneliness among students and to identify its determinants and its relation to transition-related variables (e.g., changes in weight, diet, or physical activity since the transition from high school to university). Coming from across Germany, 689 students participated in the Nutrition and Physical Activity in Adolescence (NuPhA) survey (16–29 years; 69.5% female). Associations of loneliness with the above-mentioned aspects were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regressions. Altogether, 32.4% felt moderately lonely and 3.2%, severely lonely. Emotional loneliness was more common than social loneliness (severe loneliness: 7.7% vs. 3.2%). Both were positively associated with feelings of depression and anxiety. Being married or in a committed relationship seemed to be protective factors for emotional loneliness. Physical inactivity, an immigrant background, and studying social sciences were related to higher social loneliness. Transition-related variables produced mixed results. In conclusion, this study’s findings indicated that loneliness seemed to be prevalent in university students. The authors identified important starting points for interventions to prevent loneliness. Such interventions may help reduce the disease burden in the students’ future professional life.

Breastfeeding is associated with positive health outcomes for both child and mother. Nevertheless, some women experience breastfeeding problems which commonly lead to early cessation, or not starting breastfeeding at all. Our aim was to explore how women that have difficulties in breastfeeding perceive their situation and how they actively manage it. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 mothers living in Germany who had experienced breastfeeding problems. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Breastfeeding problems occurred due to different reasons and had a huge impact, as evidenced in the four main themes of the findings: individual situation, managing the situation, perceived consequences for relations, feelings, and potential future pregnancies, and perceived health consequences for the mother. They frequently experienced negative emotions, including psychological distress and mental health problems, with perceived negative consequences for the mother–infant-bonding. Trying to actively manage the situation and availability of social support seemed to have a relieving effect, whereas confrontation and lack of understanding worsened the situation. Breastfeeding problems and the inability to breastfeed can have a great influence on maternal well-being. These can affect different aspects of a mother’s life, including the attachment to the child. Providing support for actively managing the situation and supporting the exchange of experience between mothers who perceive breastfeeding problems may help mothers to better deal with their situation. Our findings may help health professionals to understand what these mothers feel and how they can support these women in a sensitive way.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer type in Western industrialized countries. However, research into the knowledge and awareness in the general population regarding NMSC is still scarce. This qualitative study aims to fill this research gap. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals aged 55–85 years were conducted between February and October 2020. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The term “white skin cancer”—the German colloquial term of NMSC—was well-known, but the incidence was underestimated. None of the participants could give a precise definition of NMSC, and various alterations in the skin were, partially wrongly, stated as potential signs for NMSC. As risk factors for NMSC, solar radiation, and fair skin type were mentioned most often. The perceived individual risk of developing NMSC and risk compared to individuals of the same age and gender were low in our sample. Own knowledge about NMSC was mostly perceived to be insufficient, and the majority of the sample would like to receive more information on NMSC. Our results emphasize a need to inform about the signs and risks of NMSC not only in the studied older age group but also in younger people.

Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, a large number of women worldwide do not practice it successfully. Our study aimed to investigate the perceived support from health professionals for women who experienced difficulties in breastfeeding. Furthermore, we examined women’s knowledge about breastfeeding and motivation to breastfeed. We conducted a qualitative exploratory study (June to October 2019) among 15 women who had experienced breastfeeding problems in Germany. Semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis following Mayring’s approach. Prior to giving birth, the women’s motivation to breastfeed and theoretical knowledge were high, and breastfeeding problems were not anticipated. Difficulties in breastfeeding after giving birth created a highly demanding situation for the mothers. Health professionals were either perceived as very supportive, for example, by providing helpful technical advice or being emotional assistance, or they could be perceived as nonhelpful, thereby worsening the situation, for example, by pressuring the women to breastfeed or making improper remarks. Adequate support for young mothers in childbed consists of the provision of useful and realistic information concerning breastfeeding and a sensitive treatment when breastfeeding problems occur. Paying attention to this specific group of women who are experiencing difficulties in breastfeeding may improve maternal and child well-being and potentially enable breastfeeding.

Pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians play an important role in counselling customers regarding sunscreen use and sun protection measures. A potentially helpful tool that can be used during counselling is the ultraviolet index (UVI), which informs individuals when and what sun protection measures are needed at a specific place and time. Our aim in this qualitative study was to explore awareness, knowledge, and use of the UVI during counselling in pharmacies. We used semi-structured interviews with pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians (n = 20) to answer our research questions. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. During the interviews pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians revealed a lot of uncertainty and lack of knowledge regarding the UVI. Eight professionals were able to give a correct definition of UVI. Amongst others, the UVI was confused with sun protection factor. Overall, the UVI was hardly used during the counselling of customers. The UVI was developed to provide guidance when which type of sun protection is required to avoid detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation. For effective implementation, both the general population and health professionals (e.g., pharmacists) have to increase their knowledge about the UVI. This would strengthen its use during professional counselling in pharmacies and may help to reduce the incidence of skin cancer over the long term.

The sale of sunscreen products is lucrative for pharmacies, and many people buy sunscreen in pharmacies because they expect to receive good advice on sunscreen use and sun protection. However, little is known about the knowledge level of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the field of skin cancer prevention. By conducting a qualitative study in Germany, we aimed to explore what pharmacy personnel know about sun protection and the proper use of sunscreens, where they get their information from, and where they see deficits concerning these topics. We found that there is a need for education regarding the terms skin type and sun protection factor, both of which can be helpful tools when advising customers on sun protection. In addition, participants wished for more independent information from health authorities because sunscreen manufacturing companies, which offer product-specific information, are often the only source of information. Overall, it seems reasonable that pharmacy staff should be educated more about sun protection behavior and the proper use of sunscreen to be able to advise their customers correctly. Our findings offer a starting point for strengthening the role of pharmacies in skin cancer prevention. It seems to make sense to develop and offer tailored handouts for customer counseling. Since sunscreen products are perceived as seasonal products, an educational leaflet can help refresh knowledge about the use of sunscreen and the concepts of skin type and sun protection factor in early summer.