Effectiveness of layperson-based interventions in promoting exclusive breastfeeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of layperson-based interventions in sustaining exclusive breastfeeding and to identify the optimal characteristics of such layperson-led strategies for promoting exclusive breastfeeding.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using a comprehensive search in seven electronic databases from their inception to January 2024. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias using version 2 of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials.

Results: Out of the 29,703 articles identified, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. A total of 38,412 participants were included in these studies. The majority of the included studies utilized home visits as the intervention method. However, there is limited data available for other interventions, such as group discussions, phone support, short message service, and combined approaches, making it difficult to determine their effectiveness. Laypersons, with or without breastfeeding experience, were found to be effective intervention providers.

Discussion: Home visit interventions conducted by laypersons have proven effective in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. To maximize effectiveness, the content of home visits should be tailored based on the stages of pregnancy, and ideally, the duration of the visits should extend up to six months postpartum to sustain breastfeeding.

Registration: The protocol for this review is registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021235078). A major deviation from the protocol was the exclusion of network meta-analysis due to the small number of articles identified and the primary outcome being the exclusive breastfeeding rate.