Exclusive breastfeeding practices among Somali children: a scoping review

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is crucial for infant health, yet its practice remains suboptimal in many settings, including the politically and economically complex context of Somalia. This scoping review aimed to map the available literature on EBF practices among Somali children, identifying key determinants, barriers, and knowledge gaps. A systematic search of Google Scholar and PubMed was conducted in May 2024. The initial search yielded 321 records. Following a structured screening and eligibility assessment process based on predefined criteria, 10 articles were selected for inclusion in the final review. Data were extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach to identify overarching themes. The ten reviewed studies, all cross-sectional and conducted across diverse regions of Somalia, revealed wide variations in EBF prevalence, ranging from 5.2% to 68%. Factors consistently associated with higher EBF prevalence included maternal education, antenatal care (ANC) attendance, and social support. Key barriers identified were low socioeconomic status, adverse cultural beliefs, and maternal perceptions of insufficient milk supply. This scoping review highlights the complex interplay of factors affecting EBF in Somalia. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive and context-specific interventions that address maternal education, healthcare access, and peer and social support networks to improve EBF prevalence and, ultimately, child health outcomes in the region.