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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Jun 13;19(6):e0303749.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303749. eCollection 2024.

Prevalence of ineffective breastfeeding techniques and its associated factors among breastfeeding mothers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Gizachew Yilak  1 , Befikad Derese Tilahun  1 , Biruk Beletew Abate  1 , Alemu Birara Zemariam  1 , Eyob Shitie Lake  2 , Mulat Ayele  2 , Alemayehu Sayih Belay  3
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Prevalence of ineffective breastfeeding techniques and its associated factors among breastfeeding mothers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Gizachew Yilak et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Poor attachment, suckling, and positioning contribute to ineffective breastfeeding techniques. Poor weight gain, stunting, and decreased immunity are caused by insufficient breast milk intake owing to ineffective breastfeeding techniques. Numerous primary studies conducted in Ethiopia have revealed negative effects of ineffective breastfeeding techniques. However, inconsistencies have been observed among these studies, and no review has been conducted to report the amalgamated magnitude and associated factors. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the national prevalence and factors associated with ineffective breastfeeding techniques in Ethiopia.

Methods: Using PRISMA standards, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed articles from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of ineffective breastfeeding techniques. Q and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity across studies. To evaluate the national prevalence and effect size of the linked covariates, a weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the region, sample size, and year of publication. Funnel plots and Egger's regression tests were used to examine publication bias. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to determine the impact of the studies.

Results: The analysis included a total of eleven studies with 4,470 participants used in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of ineffective breastfeeding techniques in Ethiopia was 53.13% (45.49, 60.78) no formal education (AOR = 3.42; 95% CI:1.67-5.18; I2 = 72.2%; P = 0.0132), primipara (AOR = 2.72;95% CI:1.81-3.64; I2 = 46.7%; P = 0.131), postnatal care (PNC) (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI:1.35-2.32; I2 = 0%; P = 0.53), breastfeeding counseling (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI:1.23-2.63; I2 = 0%;P = 0.35), home delivery and having breast problem (AOR = 3.11; 95% CI:1.09-5.16; I2 = 0%;P = 0.877) and (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI:1.28-3.16; I2 = 0%;P = 0.80) respectively were significantly associated with ineffective breastfeeding techniques.

Conclusion: The prevalence of ineffective breastfeeding techniques in Ethiopia remains high. Policymakers and program officials should focus on empowering women, increasing institutional delivery, and providing counseling on breastfeeding throughout the maternal continuum of care. These measures will improve breastfeeding techniques and lead to better health of both infants and women.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. PRISMA flow chart for the selection of a systematic review and meta-analysis of ineffective breastfeeding techniques and their associated factors in Ethiopia.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Frost plot on the pooled prevalence of ineffective breastfeeding technique among breastfeeding mothers in Ethiopia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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