AUTHOR=Niškanović Jelena , Stojisavljević Dragana , Manigoda Dijana 
  
TITLE=Nutritional services in primary healthcare in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina: strengthening prevention through multidisciplinary approaches
  
JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health
  
VOLUME=Volume 71 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609839
  
DOI=10.3389/ijph.2026.1609839
  
ISSN=1661-8564
  
ABSTRACT=ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the provision of nutritional services in primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on differences between departments, namely Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Gynecology.MethodsA mixed-methods design was applied, combining a cross-sectional quantitative survey and qualitative focus group discussions. The quantitative component included 50 PHC facilities, while qualitative data were collected through three focus groups with healthcare professionals.ResultsServices related to the improvement of nutrition and the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were provided by 92.4% of PHCs, while 80.5% monitored the nutritional status of the population. Key barriers included lack of time, insufficient staffing, limited financial incentives, and the absence of standardized guidelines. Significant differences in the reported lack of time were found between departments (F = 4.402, p < 0.05), specifically between the Gynecology and Family Medicine departments.ConclusionFindings from healthcare personnel highlight the need for a systemic reorganization of service provision, the development of standardized nutritional guidelines, and the strengthening of preventive services through multidisciplinary approaches.