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Publications

Journal Article Ahead of print

PubMed: 41193339 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2025.09.001

Enhancing maternal and infant health: A systematic review of breastfeeding interventions among refugee, migrant, and asylum seeker populations.

Arch Pediatr

Authors: Ana Claudia Lopes, Tatiana Pereira, Marisa Lousada

Affiliations

  • RISE-Health, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
  • RISE-Health, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Center of Linguistics of the University of Lisbon (CLUL), Lisbon, Portugal.
  • RISE-Health, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Center of Linguistics of the University of Lisbon (CLUL), Lisbon, Portugal; School of Health Sciences (ESSUA), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding interventions among refugee, migrant, and asylum seeker populations hold significant promise for improving maternal, infant, and community health.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aims to comprehensively synthesize existing interventions and assess their effectiveness within these vulnerable demographics.

METHODS AND SETTING

Following the PRISMA framework, a thorough literature search was conducted across four electronic databases-PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus-from February 2014 to February 2024, focusing on studies involving refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers who received breastfeeding interventions. Methodological quality appraisal was executed utilizing the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

RESULTS

Of the scrutinized studies, nine met the stringent eligibility criteria and were subsequently included in this review. Two independent researchers meticulously performed data extraction and analysis. The synthesized findings revealed a spectrum of breastfeeding interventions tailored to migrant populations, comprising both individualized and group-based approaches. Significant outcomes included elevated breastfeeding initiation rates and positive indicators, such as sustained exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months, increased maternal self-efficacy, enhanced dietary diversity, and the adoption of healthier dietary practices.

CONCLUSION

The collated evidence underscores the potential of breastfeeding interventions to profoundly influence maternal and child health outcomes within migrant communities. Nonetheless, the interpretation of results warrants caution due to the scarcity of high-quality studies and inherent methodological limitations. This review underscores the imperative for further rigorous research to elucidate the nuanced impacts of breastfeeding interventions in migrant populations and to inform evidence-based practices for optimizing maternal and infant health outcomes globally.

MeSH

Public Health, Breast Feeding, Infant Health, Research, Pediatrics, Infant