Evaluation of a Multisite Safe Infant Sleep Education and Crib Distribution Program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Infant sleep-related deaths remain a public health concern, with rates plateauing despite recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Existing safe sleep guidelines aim to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based safe sleep educational program facilitated by the state department of public health.
• To assess changes in self-reported knowledge, intentions, and practices related to infant safe sleep among program participants.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, matched pre- and post-test cohort design with follow-up was employed.
• Facilitators delivered a group safe sleep educational program at 28 sites across the state.
• Data were collected through surveys from 615 participants for pre- and post-test, and 66 for follow-up.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in correct responses for knowledge and intended practice items was observed from pre-test to post-test.
• At post-test, 62.3% of participants planned to alter their infant's sleep arrangements based on the education received.
• At follow-up, knowledge was largely maintained, but adherence to safe sleep practices decreased, with only half of practice-related items sustained.

Conclusions:

• The safe sleep education program initially improved knowledge and intentions regarding infant sleep practices.
• However, the study indicates a decline in sustained adherence to safe sleep practices at follow-up.
• Findings align with literature showing a discrepancy between parental intentions and actual infant sleep practices post-birth.