SEARCHSYSTEMATIC_REVIEWpublic health, pediatrics

systematic_review·public health, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, systematic review, family medicine·PMC10617142

Health professionals’ competencies regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months: a systematic review

International Breastfeeding Journal · 4 authors, 3 centres

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TL;DR

This systematic review analyzed seven studies to assess health professionals' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months, finding substantial variation and the influence of attitudes on professional advice.

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The systematic review synthesized literature from seven studies published between 2000 and 2022 to examine health professionals' competencies regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Using thematic analysis driven by the concept of competence, the review identified key themes of Knowledge Combined with Skills and Attitudes. Findings indicated substantial variation in professionals' perceptions of breastfeeding's nutritional and economic value, its impacts on family and wellbeing, and appropriate duration. Attitudes ranged from supportive to hostile and were found to influence the advice given to mothers. The authors note limitations including a limited number of included studies and heterogeneous study methods. The results emphasize the need for improved education to ensure evidence-based support for breastfeeding mothers.

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systematic_review

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public health

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AI pipeline

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ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10617142

Health professionals’ competencies regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months: a systematic review

International Breastfeeding Journal

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Background Breastfeeding up to two years and beyond supports the health and neurobiological development of a child. Nevertheless, mothers experience criticism from health professionals towards breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Competence related to breastfeeding counselling is defined as minimum knowledge, skills and attitudes that all health professionals should have to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Professionals’ education related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months is insufficient worldwide which challenges the competent and evidence-based support mothers wish for. Methods This systematic review aimed to synthesize the existing literature on health professionals’ competencies regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. The search was limited to peer-reviewed scientific papers published between 2000 and 2022 that focused on the competencies of health professionals regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Seven databases were searched, and of the 884 studies retrieved, seven were included in the review. The studies were subjected to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists. The data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis, driven by the concept of competence. Results All the dimensions of competence could be found in the data. Health professionals’ knowledge or skills related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months were explored in all seven studies, and attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond 12 months were explored in four studies. The main themes identified were Knowledge Combined with Skills, and Attitudes. The main theme, Knowledge Combined with Skills, was formed out of eight themes: perceptions regarding nutritional value, perceptions regarding economic value, perceptions regarding family interaction, perceptions regarding impacts on the mother’s wellbeing, perceptions regarding impacts on the child’s wellbeing, perceptions regarding suitable duration, perceptions regarding recommendations, and counseling skills. The attitudes varied and therefore the Attitudes main theme consisted of three themes: promotive attitudes, hostile attitudes, and passive attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Conclusions Health professionals’ knowledge and skills include several dimensions and vary substantially. Health professionals’ attitudes vary between hostile and supportive and influence professionals’ advice regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. The results suggested that there is considerable variation in health professionals’ competencies, which emphasizes the importance of education regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-023-00591-z. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Lactation, Maternal-child health services, Health personnel, Clinical competence, Attitude of health personnel, Systematic review

CITATION EXPORT

Oona Ojantausta, Niina Pöyhönen, Riikka Ikonen et al.. Health professionals’ competencies regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months: a systematic review. International Breastfeeding Journal. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-023-00591-z

AUTHORS

4 · 3 CENTRES

Oona Ojantausta, Niina Pöyhönen, Riikka Ikonen, Marja Kaunonen

1Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
2Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
3Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services, General Administration, Tampere, Finland