Table 3.
Authors/year | Strengths | Limitations | Population | Design |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alianmoghaddam et al. (2018) |
Discusses wider social contexts influencing breastfeeding practices and focuses on quality Methods employed multiple strategies (survey, face‐to‐face and monthly telephone interviews) enriching data Several theoretical constructs were discussed and applied |
Small, homogeneous sample (n = 30) and research location limits generalisability Samples were highly motivated with the intention to breastfeed for at least 6 months |
30 mothers breastfeeding babies 0–6 months (New Zealand) | Qualitative |
Black et al. (2020) |
Approach explores socioeconomic, cultural and individual factors alongside mothers’ perceptions Detailed exploration of the theoretical lens (social cognitive theory) and possible value in the analysis |
Research limited to members of one group in one research location Homogeneous, small sample, all partnered/married with one child, limiting generalisability |
8 women from one FB group (Ireland) | Qualitative |
Bridges et al. (2018) |
Offers insights into type and usefulness of support, including from whom Adds detail on commonly discussed topics Methods captured a large sample of posts and comments and included shared images |
Researcher status as ‘insider’ may impact reflexivity Focuses on perceptions of a supportive community, no data on impacts on breastfeeding No demographic data were captured, all groups were run and moderated by the same organisation, which may limit generalisability |
778 wall posts with a total of 2998 comments (Australia) | Online ethnography (Qualitative) |
Skelton et al. (2018) |
Demonstrates clear positive influence of social media support on attitudes, knowledge and behaviour Combination of methods resulting in aggregated data for analysis Adds insight into groups as a resource and a community and impact on outcomes |
Research limited to members of one group in one research location Homogeneous, small sample, limiting generalisability Included reflections from mothers who had stopped breastfeeding up to 3 years prior, so some data was retrospective/subject to recall bias |
21 women (focus group) and 12 mothers (interviews) from one FB group (US) | Qualitative |
Skelton et al. (2020) |
Detailed discussion of underpinning theoretical constructs, and identifying clear characteristics of a CoP Relatively large sample drawn over both approaches |
Homogeneous, highly motivated sample Cross‐sectional design limits the determination of causality |
21 women (focus group) and 12 mothers (interviews) from one FB group (US) | Cross ‐sectional |
Robinson, Davis et al. (2019) |
Adds insight into the needs of a specific population Detailed discussion of underpinning theoretical constructs Detail is provided on the correlation between independent variables and breastfeeding duration |
Potential selection bias, design limits determination of causation Limited generalisability due to demographics and large FB group size |
277 African‐American mothers from 9 FB groups (US) | Cross‐sectional |
Bridges (2016) |
Both administrators and mothers participated Provides detail on the range of ‘added value’ of online support alongside traditional formats Details perceptions of information reliability |
Researcher status as ‘insider’ may impact reflexivity No demographic data on participants collected Small sample (n = 23), specific group formats and moderation by ABA‐trained supporters may impact generalisability |
3 FB groups were observed, followed by 23 group participants interviewed (Australia) | Qualitative |
Regan and Brown (2019) |
Well‐designed study meeting all Critical Appraisal Skills Programme UK (CASP) (2018) checklist criteria Highlights drawbacks in addition to benefits Explores support sources/group moderation |
Limited (n = 14), homogeneous and highly motivated sample Most had previous experience of breastfeeding |
14 mothers breastfeeding child up to 3 years (UK) | Qualitative |
Lebron et al. (2020) |
Systematic, rigorous analysis using iterative methods Analyses both questions and responses, offering insight into information sharing without constraint |
Demographic data largely unknown International forum/message board limits generalisability to other SM platforms No data on behavioural impacts/breastfeeding impacts Limited to one forum and peer‐only support |
258 posts and 1445 corresponding comments (US) | Content analysis |
Wagg et al. (2019) |
Consideration is given to online community context and significance Useful insight into support‐seeking behaviours Confounding variables discussed |
Data collected over a small timeframe (7 days) No examination of post quality, experiences or perceptions |
501 posts and associated comments. Most from mothers with babies 6 weeks–6 months (UK) | Content analysis |
Robinson, Lauckner et al. (2019) |
Well‐designed study meeting all CASP (2018) checklist criteria Adds detailed perspectives for this population of mothers not included elsewhere Detailed discussion of theoretical lens Includes data related to critique of groups in addition to positive perceptions |
Potential selection bias Generalisability may be limited to the sample demographics Cross‐sectional design may impact generalisability |
22 Black mothers (US) | Qualitative |
Herron et al. (2015) |
Phased mixed methods approach adds to rigour and validity of the analysis Includes impacts on outcomes and detailed discussion of factors relating to reciprocity |
Demographic data are not available Forum/message board limits generalisability to other SM platforms Data collected <10 years ago |
1230 online messages, online interviews with 12 women (Ireland) | Mixed methods concept analysis |
Wilson (2020) |
Methods enable exploration of social support and modifiable factors over time Includes detailed discussion of theoretical constructs Development of predictive model offers framework for future research |
Samples were <1 month post‐natal at the time of the first survey and >6 months for the second survey, so responses were subject to endurance, concentration and time factors for large surveys (high attrition rate) No detail on perceived credibility or quality of groups |
241 women from 17 FB BF groups 1230)(US) | Longitudinal mixed methods |
Abbreviations: ABA, Australian Breastfeeding Association; BF, breastfeeding; CoP, community of practice; FB, Facebook; SM, social media.