Abstract
Aim: This scoping review aimed to identify and appraise the effectiveness and impact of breastfeeding promotion interventions conducted across Portuguese-speaking sovereign countries. Methods: Using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched 14 electronic databases for publications published through 31 July 2023. The search terms were designed to find studies promoting breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding in pre-defined Portuguese-speaking countries. Results: Of the 5263 papers initially retrieved, 30 interventional studies on breastfeeding met the inclusion criteria across three countries: Brazil (N = 26), Portugal (N = 2) and Guinea Bissau (N = 2). Participants ranged from pregnant women, mothers, mother–infant pairs, healthcare professionals, and school children. Overall, the interventions increased exclusive breastfeeding and better breastfeeding practices, such as a higher duration of breastfeeding. The interventions positively affected maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge and perception. Only four studies used a theoretical framework. Conclusion: While the results were often statistically significant, no study had an outcome close to the recommended UNICEF and WHO goal of 70% breastfeeding at six months. The need to determine what works for the recommended six months postpartum period is critical for maximising children's health in Portuguese-speaking countries.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Acta Paediatrica |
| Volume | 113 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1186-1202 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| ISSN | 0803-5253 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2024 |
Keywords
- breastfeeding
- lactation
- maternal–child health
- Portuguese-speaking countries
- Guinea-Bissau
- Health Promotion/methods
- Humans
- Brazil
- Female
- Infant
- Breast Feeding/psychology
- Portugal