@Article{info:doi/10.2196/17361,
author="Almohanna, Alaa Ali
and Win, Khin Than
and Meedya, Shahla",
title="Effectiveness of Internet-Based Electronic Technology Interventions on Breastfeeding Outcomes: Systematic Review",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2020",
month="May",
day="29",
volume="22",
number="5",
pages="e17361",
keywords="breastfeeding; mobile app; mobile phone; mHealth; internet; computers; systematic review",
abstract="Background: Supporting women to initiate and continue breastfeeding is a global challenge. A range of breastfeeding interventions employing electronic technologies (e-technologies) are being developed, which offer different delivery modes and features over the internet; however, the impact of internet-based e-technologies on breastfeeding outcomes remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of current internet-based breastfeeding interventions employing e-technologies and investigate the effects of internet-based e-technologies on breastfeeding outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, the Association for Computing Machinery, SpringerLink, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Xplore. Results: This systematic review included 16 studies published between 2007 and 2018, with 4018 women in 8 countries. The characteristics of the interventions were grouped based on (1) mode of delivery (web-based, mobile phone apps, and computer kiosk), (2) purpose of the interventions (education and support), and (3) key strategies (monitoring and breastfeeding tracking, personalization, online discussion forum, web-based consultation, and breastfeeding station locators). Combining educational activities with web-based personalized support through discussion forums appeared to be the most effective way to improve breastfeeding outcomes and long-term exclusive breastfeeding rates. Monitoring and breastfeeding trackers appeared to be the least effective ways. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a variety of internet-based e-technologies that professionals can use to promote, educate, and support breastfeeding women. Future internet-based breastfeeding interventions employing e-technologies might consider improving interaction with mothers and personalizing the content of the proposed interventions. ",
issn="1438-8871",
doi="10.2196/17361",
url="http://www.jmir.org/2020/5/e17361/",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/17361",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32469315"
}