EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PATTERNS AND THE INCIDENCE OF PNEUMONIA IN INFANTS IN URBAN AREAS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia remains a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality in urban areas. Exclusive breastfeeding is widely recognized as a protective factor, yet urban environmental and socio-economic conditions may influence its effectiveness.

Objective: This scoping review aims to examine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the incidence of pneumonia in infants residing in urban settings.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and PubMed for studies published between January 2020 and December 2024. Of 567 articles initially identified, 159 were screened, and 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and focused on urban populations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Results: The findings indicate that exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of pneumonia in infants. However, its protective effect can be diminished by environmental pollutants, inadequate housing, and limited healthcare access. Socio-economic status, maternal education, and support systems also influence breastfeeding success.

Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding plays a critical role in reducing pneumonia incidence in infants, especially in densely populated urban areas. Nonetheless, structural challenges such as poor air quality, early maternal employment, and lack of breastfeeding education hinder optimal outcomes. Multisectoral collaboration is necessary to address these barriers and strengthen community-based breastfeeding support. Further studies are recommended to explore the long-term impacts of exclusive breastfeeding on respiratory health across diverse urban contexts.