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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Jun 27;19(6):e0306167.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306167. eCollection 2024.

Effective breastfeeding techniques and associated factors among lactating women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Gemeda Wakgari Kitil  1 , Fikadu Wake Butta  2 , Shimelis Tadesse  1 , Bekem Dibaba Degefa  1 , Gizu Tola Feyisa  1 , Addisalem Workie Demsash  2 , Adamu Ambachew Shibabaw  2 , Shambel Negesse Marami  1 , Agmasie Damtew Walle  2 , Geleta Nenko Dube  2 , Lema Fikadu Wedajo  3 , Dejene Edosa Dirirsa  4 , Wakuma Wakene Jifar  5 , Alex Ayenew Chereka  2
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Effective breastfeeding techniques and associated factors among lactating women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Gemeda Wakgari Kitil et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Effective breastfeeding is crucial for maternal and child health, particularly in low-resource settings like Ethiopia. It encompasses a range of skills and strategies, including proper latch, positioning, and frequency of feeding. These techniques not only ensure sufficient milk transfer but also foster bonding between mother and child, enhancing the breastfeeding experience. To effectively prioritize maternal and child health, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the prevalence and factors influencing effective breastfeeding nationwide. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a pooled prevalence of effective breastfeeding techniques and associated factors among lactating mothers in Ethiopia.

Methods: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist, focusing on studies conducted in Ethiopia. We identified eight relevant studies through Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Analysis was conducted using STATA version 11, and systematic data extraction employed a checklist to extract relevant data. I2 tests and the Cochrane Q test statistic were used to evaluate heterogeneity. To explore potential publication bias, Egger's weighted regression, Begg's test, and a funnel plot were utilized.

Results: We identified a total of 955 research articles. Eight studies meeting the eligibility criteria were incorporated into this meta-analysis and systematic review. The pooled prevalence of effective breastfeeding techniques was 41.99% [95% CI 32.16-51.81]. According to the results of the current meta-analysis, effective breastfeeding techniques were significantly associated with antenatal care follow-up [OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.10-2.78], maternal educational status [OR = 2.70, 95% CI 1.55-4.71], breastfeeding technique counseling [OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.41-2.90], the absence of breast problems [OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.49-3.43], breastfeeding experience [OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.14-3.46], and immediate skin-to-skin contact [OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.56-3.44].

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the vital role of various factors in shaping effective breastfeeding.

Implications: To improve practices and health outcomes, we recommend targeted interventions, such as strengthening antenatal care, implementing maternal education, and providing comprehensive breastfeeding counseling. Proactively addressing breast problems and prioritizing immediate skin-to-skin contact is crucial for successful breastfeeding.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. PRISMA flow diagram showing systematic review and meta-analysis selection process of articles.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Forest plot of the pooled prevalence of breastfeeding techniques among lactating mothers in Ethiopia, 2023.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Funnel plot of included studies to test publications bias in Ethiopia, 2023.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Forest plot of associated factors of effective breastfeeding techniques among lactating mothers in Ethiopia, 2023.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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