Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Among Somali Children: A Scoping Review

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is crucial for infant health, yet its practice remains suboptimal in many settings, including Somalia. This scoping review aimed to map the available literature on EBF practices among children in Somalia, identifying key factors and barriers. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Portal Garuda for studies on EBF in Somalia. A structured approach was used to screen, assess eligibility, and extract data from 10 relevant articles. The data was then synthesized using a narrative approach to identify key themes. Results: The reviewed studies, conducted across various regions of Somalia, revealed wide variations in EBF rates, ranging from 5.2% to 68%. The factors associated with higher EBF rates included maternal education, antenatal care attendance, and social support. Barriers to EBF included low socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, and perceptions of insufficient milk. The lack of Scopus indexing in some of the included journals was noted, but the studies were retained to capture the diversity of data in this area. Conclusion: 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 social support networks to improve EBF rates in Somalia.