mHealth interventions to improve self efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding: a scoping review

Abstract

Background/Aims The exclusive breastfeeding rate in developed and developing countries is low, and is significantly affected by maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. Mobile health (mHealth, using mobile devices to carry out public health interventions) may help increase self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to explore the existing literature on mHealth interventions to increase self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding. Methods This scoping review included an electronic search of PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, Google Scholar and IJSR. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies published in English between 2014 and 2023 about breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding were screened for eligibility. Results Overall, 12 studies were included. Thematic analysis showed that primary interventions were delivered using smartphone applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram or video, and most participants were women with infants of normal birth weight. Conclusions Delivering breastfeeding education using mHealth may increase self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding. Further research is needed to assess the effects of mHealth on breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding among women with infants who have health conditions, such as those born preterm or of low birth weight.