Rates of ever breastfeeding, early initiation, and exclusive breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia: a narrative review

Mohammed   Aldossary; Bayan  AlAsmari; Afnan M Almuaddi Almuaddi; Shahad  Alhajri; Mervat El Dalatony

doi:10.23750/abm.v95i6.15898

Rates of ever breastfeeding, early initiation, and exclusive breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia: a narrative review

Authors

Mohammed S Aldossary General Directorate of Research and Studies, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0380-7905
Bayan A AlAsmari General Directorate of Research and Studies, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0092-4639
Afnan M Almuaddi General Directorate of Research and Studies, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4893-8577
Shahad M Alhajri General Directorate of Research and Studies, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4582-5958
Mervat El Dalatony Department of Public Health and Community Medicine University of Menoufia, Shebin El Kom, Egypt https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2399-439X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v95i6.15898

Keywords:

Child, Woman, Breastfeeding, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and aim: Breastfeeding is one of the most effective techniques to ensure favorable maternal and child health and survival. However, contrary to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, global breastfeeding rates remain below the target. Aim: Hence, this review aimed to update and assess the reported rates of ever breastfeeding, early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in recent Saudi Arabian studies (2018–2023). Methods: Data bases were searched for recent breastfeeding-related studies published between January 2018 and June 2023. This review comprised 18 cross-sectional studies. Results: The reported rates of ever breastfeeding ranged from 64.7% to 97.5%, and the EIBF rates ranged from 13.9% to 85.1%. In addition, 16.3%–45.7% of women practiced EBF for their infants’ first 6 months of life.

Conclusions: Breastfeeding rates reported by women in various regions of Saudi Arabia are lower than the current WHO recommendations. Our results thus demonstrate the significant geographic and temporal data heterogeneity in breastfeeding practices in Saudi Arabia. Recommendations are made to enhance these rates.

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