Effectiveness of Internet-Based Electronic Technology Interventions on Breastfeeding Outcomes: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background Supporting women to initiate and continue breastfeeding is a global challenge. A range of breastfeeding interventions employing electronic technologies (e-technologies) are being developed, which offer different delivery modes and features over the internet; however, the impact of internet-based e-technologies on breastfeeding outcomes remains unclear. Objective This study aimed to identify the characteristics of current internet-based breastfeeding interventions employing e-technologies and investigate the effects of internet-based e-technologies on breastfeeding outcomes. Methods A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, the Association for Computing Machinery, SpringerLink, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Xplore. Results This systematic review included 16 studies published between 2007 and 2018, with 4018 women in 8 countries. The characteristics of the interventions were grouped based on (1) mode of delivery (web-based, mobile phone apps, and computer kiosk), (2) purpose of the interventions (education and support), and (3) key strategies (monitoring and breastfeeding tracking, personalization, online discussion forum, web-based consultation, and breastfeeding station locators). Combining educational activities with web-based personalized support through discussion forums appeared to be the most effective way to improve breastfeeding outcomes and long-term exclusive breastfeeding rates. Monitoring and breastfeeding trackers appeared to be the least effective ways. Conclusions This study demonstrated a variety of internet-based e-technologies that professionals can use to promote, educate, and support breastfeeding women. Future internet-based breastfeeding interventions employing e-technologies might consider improving interaction with mothers and personalizing the content of the proposed interventions.

Effectiveness of WeChat for Improving Exclusive Breastfeeding in Huzhu County China: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…It has been demonstrated that information and communication systems, such as web platform, mobile apps, and SMS can be used to promote, educate, and support breastfeeding women, and offer effective means of improving breastfeeding outcomes [ 33 , 34 ]. From 2010 to 2012, a study in Shanghai using SMS to promote breastfeeding found that weekly messages on infant feeding from the third trimester to 12 months postpartum could improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months (OR 2.67) but not at 4 months [ 35 ].…”

The Effect of Educational Intervention on Improvement of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Developing and applying effective educational programs for improving breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) are important concerns for health professionals, and it can help mothers initiate and maintain breastfeeding for six months after birth [ 7 , 8 ]. In particular, breastfeeding educational programs have shown a positive effect on maternal breastfeeding behavior, awareness and attitude toward breastfeeding, continuity of breastfeeding, and BSE of mothers at six months after childbirth recently [ 5 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Maternal factors and early weaning from exclusive breastfeeding / Atores maternos e o desmame precoce do aleitamento materno exclusivo

“…Therefore, the importance and the need to combine educational strategies since prenatal care that offer support for the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding and that take these factors into account is highlighted. 8 The sociodemographic factors indicate that early weaning occurred in women with a mean age of 26 years, complete high school education, and paid occupation, i.e., women in the labor market. These findings can be supported by the results of a study conducted in Curitiba, PR, in which the mother's routine with the child proved to be paramount for the maintenance of breastfeeding, identifying that nursing mothers were able to maintain breastfeeding due to the fact that they worked outside the home; however, the difficulty found was to maintain exclusive breastfeeding.…”