Synthesis of effects of infant feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity is limited by
outcome measurement and reporting heterogeneity. Core outcome sets (COS) represent
standardised approaches to outcome selection and reporting. The aim of this review is to
identify feeding outcomes used in infant feeding studies to inform an infant feeding COS for
obesity prevention interventions. The databases EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL,
and PsycINFO databases, searched from inception to February 2017. Studies eligible for
inclusion must examine any infant feeding outcome in children =1 year. Feeding outcomes
include those measured using self-report and/or observational methods, and include dietary
intake, parent-child interaction, and parental beliefs, among others. Data were extracted using
a standardised data extraction form. Outcomes were assigned to outcome domains using an
inductive, iterative process with a multidisciplinary team. We identified 82 unique outcomes,
representing 9 outcome domains. Outcome domains were: ‘breast and formula feeding’,
‘introduction of solids’, ‘parent feeding practices and styles’, ‘parent knowledge and beliefs’,
‘practical feeding’, ‘food environment’, ‘dietary intake’, ‘perceptions of infant behaviour and
preferences’, and ‘child weight outcomes’. Heterogeneity in definition and frequency of
outcomes was noted in reviewed studies. ‘Introduction of solids’ (59.5%) and ‘breastfeeding
duration’ (55.5%) were the most frequently reported outcomes. Infant feeding studies focus
predominantly on consumption of milks and solids, and infant weight. Less focus is given to
modifiable parental and environmental factors. An infant feeding COS can minimise
heterogeneity in selection and reporting of infant feeding outcomes for childhood obesity
prevention interventions.
Karen Matvienko-Sikar
Ciara Griffin
Niamh McGrath
Elaine Toomey
Molly Byrne
Colette Kelly
Caroline Heary
Declan Devane
Patricia M Kearney
Disease Category: Child health
Disease Name: Feeding the infant, Obesity
Age Range: 0 - 1
Sex: Either
Nature of Intervention: Diet and nutrition
- Systematic review of outcomes measured in trials
- Systematic review