Breastfeeding practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A systematised literature review of the influencing factors associated with early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding for the first 6 months of infant life

Abstract

Abstract Background: Breastfeeding gives babies all the nutrients that they need. Breastfeeding practice depends on multiple factors. The focus of this systematised review is to explore the influencing factors that impact early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) the first hour after baby birth and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the 6 months of baby life among Saudi mothers. Method: A keyword search of English-language peer-reviewed primary studies that focused on the influencing factors that affect EIBF and/or EBF for the first 6 months was conducted using eight different databases for studies that were published in the past 10 years and grey literature. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool were used to appraise the methodological quality of the studies. Result: One mixed methods study and eight quantitative studies were included and were rated as weak to moderate quality. The average rate of EIBF was 61.8%. However, an average rate of just 13.7% was revealed for EBF. EIBF and EBF were associated with caesarean delivery, maternal employment and mother’s education level. There were inconsistencies between the studies’ findings regarding the impact of these factors. A good level of evidence was provided regarding the impact of prelacteal feeding in delaying EIBF. Conclusion: The disagreement between the studies suggests that there is a need to develop new research that seeks to determine the influencing factors on breastfeeding. Presenting such studies at international conferences would allow for the dissemination of these findings to numerous countries for global benefit.