Factors affecting WHO breastfeeding recommendations in Kenya

Abstract

Objectives The present review aimed at synthesizing the current available evidence on factors affecting World Health Organization (WHO) breastfeeding recommendations in Kenya.

Method The present study was conducted between from February 2019 to January 2020. It utilized a systematic review design that adopted a meta-aggregation approach. The literature search was conducted from recent studies only conducted in Kenya. The databases included; Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PUBMED, OVID and Google scholar. Qualitative data analysis was presented using thematic domains.

Findings The search generated 16,054 articles of which only 20 met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative findings were analyzed and organized under three thematic domains: (1) socioeconomic factors, (2) cultural factors, and (3) psychosocial factors.

Conclusion The major factors influencing the WHO breastfeeding recommendations practices in Kenya are socioeconomic factors and cultural factors. Integrated promotion and intervention strategies that aim at achieving optimal breastfeeding recommendations practices in the country are needed. The present review furthers the global debate on advocacy of adhering to international recommendations on infant feeding by the society.