Affiliation:
1. Boston University School of Public Health
2. University of Zambia
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
There is very little information on the beliefs and perceptions of mothers about SIDS and its related risk factors in Africa. To better understand parental decisions about infant sleep practices and other risk factors for SIDS, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers of infants in Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods:
FGDs involved 35 purposively sampled mothers aged 18–49 years. FGDs were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide in the local language, Nyanja. These were translated, transcribed verbatim into English, and then coded and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 12.
Results:
Six FGDs were conducted with 35 mothers between April-May 2021 across two study sites. FGD Participants were generally aware of sudden unexplained infant deaths, with several describing stories of apparent SIDS in the community. The side sleeping position was preferred and perceived to be safer for the infant with most believing the supine position posed an aspiration or choking risk to the infant. Bedsharing was also preferred and perceived to be convenient for breastfeeding and for monitoring of the infant. Experienced family members and health care workers were frequently cited as sources of information on infant sleep position. Maternal alertness and vigilance were suggested as mechanisms to prevent SIDS and smothering.
Conclusions:
Maternal beliefs and perceptions about the infant’s sleep environment guided decisions about bedsharing and infant sleep positions. These concerns are vital to designing tailored interventions to address sleep-related sudden infant losses in Zambia. Public health campaigns with tailored messages that address these concerns are likely to be effective at ensuring optimal uptake of safe sleep recommendations.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
Reference21 articles.
1. A systematic review of the burden and risk factors of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Africa;Osei-Poku GK;J Glob Health,2021
2. Infant sleeping environment in South-eastern Nigeria (sleeping place and sleeping position): a preliminary survey;Ibeziako NS;J Trop Med,2009
3. A 5-year retrospective analysis of infant death at Salt River Mortuary, Cape Town;Heathfield LJ;South Afr J Child Health,2020
4. Osei-Poku GK, Mwananyanda L, Elliott PA, MacLeod WB, Somwe SW, Pieciak R, et al. Assessing infant sleep practices and other risk factors of SIDS in Zambia: A cross-sectional survey of mothers in Lusaka, Zambia. In Press, BMC Pediatrics. 2022.
5. Smoking and the sudden infant death syndrome;Mitchell EA;Rev Environ Health,2006