Impact of breast health education and individual sports bra prescription on elite female football match officials

Female football (soccer) officials face unique physical demands and equipment constraints, yet their breast health needs remain under-researched. This study investigated bra usage, issues and preferences among elite and national-level female football match officials and evaluated the effect of a targeted breast health intervention. Baseline questionnaires were completed by 104 officials (mean age 34 ± 5 years), assessing breast and bra knowledge, usage, preferences, pain and equipment-related issues. All 104 participants attended a one-hour online breast health education session. Of these, a subgroup of 20 elite officials also received a bra assessment and were prescribed a high-support bra. Four weeks later, follow-up questionnaires assessed changes in breast health knowledge and compared personal versus prescribed sports bras for fit, support, pain and compatibility with upper-body equipment. At baseline, 93% of participants reported at least one breast- or bra-related issue; 25% identified problems due to bra-equipment interaction. Breast health knowledge improved significantly post-intervention (p < 0.001). Satisfaction was significantly higher with the prescribed bra across fit, support and reduced breast pain (all p < 0.05). Targeted breast health education and individual bra prescription improved knowledge, comfort and support. Breast-related and bra-equipment interaction issues are prevalent, highlighting the need for improved sports bra design and integration with upper-body equipment.