An ecological approach to infant feeding experiences among adolescent parents in Southeast Asia: a scoping review

Background The global prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) under six months is still below the target of 60%. Adolescent mothers undergo the simultaneous transition to adulthood and parenthood, which can complicate breastfeeding. Although numerous studies have examined breastfeeding among adolescent mothers in Southeast Asia, most are quantitative and provide limited insight into the underlying reasons and lived experiences. Therefore, exploration of qualitative research is needed to gain a better understanding. This study aims to explore experiences of infant feeding practices among adolescent parents in Southeast Asia. Methods This scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the PRISMA extension for scoping review protocols (PRISMA-ScR). Six databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE via OVID, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched for qualitative and mixed-methods studies published between 2015 and 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for qualitative research and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for mixed methods. In this scoping review, all eligible studies were included regardless of quality. The key findings were synthesised using thematic analysis and mapped onto the five levels of the Socioecological Framework. Results Seventeen original research studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies were conducted in Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos. Themes included variation of breastfeeding knowledge influenced infant feeding practice, mothers’ physical and psychological condition influenced their feeding choices, perceived mixed support from family members and partners, perceived mixed support from healthcare providers, technology utilisation for engaging with breastfeeding information, cultural influence in navigating infant feeding practice, and limitations related to employment or study, and unsupportive healthcare facilities. However, fathers’ experiences with infant feeding were insufficiently captured. These findings represent only those from three countries in Southeast Asia. Conclusion Significant factors that facilitate and hinder breastfeeding practices were found across individual, interpersonal, community, and organisational levels of the socioecological framework; the policy level was not investigated among the included studies. The review also highlights key take-home messages for future research and recommendations, including the need for longitudinal research from pregnancy through the breastfeeding period among adolescent parents, as well as the involvement of partners (husbands) and grandparents, since most existing studies focus primarily on the mother’s perspective. Technology utilisation might be possible for infant feeding education, though current evidence was limited.