Knowledge and Self-Reported Practice of Postnatal Mothers on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Prevention: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The word “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)” is used for a sleeping infant, who has apparently been quite well, is found unexpectedly dead. There are varied discussions throughout the world trying to find the possible reasons and preventive measures toward these sudden deaths. However, limited studies are undertaken regarding knowledge of mothers related to SIDS. The present study aimed at identifying the knowledge gaps present among the postnatal mothers toward SIDS and assess their practices that may influence SIDS among infants. The research design was a descriptive cross-sectional design and a 107 postnatal mothers were recruited focusing on the aim of the study through purposive sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire and self-reported practice checklist was prepared and validated from experts.

The findings of the study revealed that the majority of subjects 57 (53.3%) had good knowledge with a mean score of 9.34 ± 1.83 (maximum score-15). The mean practice score on prevention of SIDS among subjects was 13.76 ± 1.13 (maximum score-16). There was no significant correlation between knowledge and practice (r = −0.38, p = 0.7). However, significant association was seen between knowledge on prevention of SIDS and baseline variables such as education (p = 0.001), occupation (p = 0.001), place of residence (p = 0.001), and family income (p = 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant association between self-reported practice and age of mothers (p = 0.03).

The study findings showed good knowledge level among majority of the mothers and executed good practice toward care of the infant. However, 30.8% of the mothers had average to poor level of knowledge, which is significant and needs attention.

Keywords

descriptive study - knowledge - postnatal mothers - practice - sudden infant death syndrome - self-reported practice

Publication History

Article published online:
22 November 2022

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