Duration of Breastfeeding and Maternal-Related Factors in Iran, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



Dalili H¹ ; Shariat M² ; Nayeri F¹ ; Emami Z¹ ; Sahebi R³ ; Sahebi L² Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Pediatric Nursing Published:2020

Abstract

Background: Although the benefits of breastfeeding are commonly approved, there remains a significant discrepancy between maternal practices and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in some countries. Objectives: We had two aims in this study; average duration of breastfeeding, and its maternal determinants. Data sources: A web-based citation index was used for citing documents. Study eligibility criteria and participants: We included observational studies evaluating breastfeeding duration among children who were at least two years old and not older than five were included in Iran. Synthesis methods: The pooled mean and mean differences were considered. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic. Results: The pooled mean of breastfeeding duration was calculated at 17.31 months. Children with younger mothers and lower birth orders had shorter durations of breastfeeding. Women with a high school and higher education level had early cessation of breastfeeding in comparison with less educated women. Limitations: The main limitation of the current study was lack of librarian assistance. Conclusions: The pooled mean of breastfeeding duration in Iranian children aged 2–5 was less than WHO recommendations. Accurate identification of the effect a mother's level of education has on duration of lactation requires standardized categorization. Implications of key findings: Raising awareness among women can be an effective strategy in increasing the duration of lactation. © 2020 Elsevier Inc.