Health technologies for managing lactational mastitis: a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Lactational mastitis is a prevalent inflammatory condition among breastfeeding women, characterized by intense pain and significant discomfort. In more severe cases, it may progress to breast abscess formation, leading many mothers to discontinue breastfeeding prematurely. Objective: To map health technologies used in the prevention and treatment of lactational mastitis in Primary Health Care (PHC), aiming to promote continued breastfeeding. Method: Scoping review conducted according to JBI methodology. The search was performed between May and June 2025 in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and BDENF. Original articles, guidelines, and similar documents in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were included, with no time restriction. A co-occurrence bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer. Results: Eleven studies were included, assessing preventive and therapeutic interventions such as fermented foods/probiotics and therapeutic devices. The findings indicate a reduction in mastitis occurrence, improvements in parameters related to milk quality, and greater continuity of breastfeeding. Effect sizes varied according to study design, population, and outcomes assessed. Conclusion: The adoption of evidence-based practices favors breastfeeding safety and maternal-child health and may reduce the occurrence of mastitis, particularly when combining education, therapeutic devices, and adjuvant interventions.

Key words: lactational mastitis; breastfeeding; nursing; preventive interventions; therapeutic interventions.