[Maternal intention to breastfeed: a systematic review]

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Public Health
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Maternal intention to breastfeed (MIB) is a critical determinant of breastfeeding initiation and duration.
• Understanding factors influencing MIB is essential for developing effective public health interventions.
• Previous research has explored various determinants, but a synthesized overview is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify factors associated with maternal intention to breastfeed (MIB) in pregnant women.
• To synthesize evidence from existing literature to inform targeted interventions for promoting breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed/Medline and Lilacs databases.
• Search terms included "breastfeeding," "intention," and "pregnant women" in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
• Nine relevant research articles were selected and assessed for methodological quality.

Main Results:

• Thirty-five out of 68 assessed variables were significantly associated with MIB.
• Consistent factors associated with MIB across multiple studies included primiparity, higher educational attainment, and older maternal age.
• Other significant factors were prior breastfeeding experience, non-smoking status, and cohabitation with a partner.

Conclusions:

• Primiparity, higher education, older maternal age, prior breastfeeding experience, not smoking, and living with a partner are key factors associated with maternal intention to breastfeed.
• This knowledge is crucial for designing targeted strategies to promote and extend breastfeeding duration.
• Further research can build upon these findings to optimize maternal and child health outcomes.