Safety Baby Shower Intervention Improves Safe Sleep Knowledge and Self-Efficacy among Expectant Teens

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Young, minority women have lower adherence to infant safe sleep recommendations, increasing the risk of sleep-related deaths.
• Previous studies used pre/post designs; this study employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for more robust evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a low-cost, brief educational intervention, the Safety Baby Shower (SBS), on safe infant sleep knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intent (KABI) among pregnant teens.
• To assess the impact of the SBS intervention on actual infant safe sleep practices through objective observation and parent self-report.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 147 pregnant teens (aged 13-19) and a senior female caregiver.
• Participants were randomized into an intervention (SBS) or control group.
• Data included pre/post self-report measures of KABI and post-delivery home visits for objective observation and behavioral reporting.

Main Results:

• Intervention dyads demonstrated significantly more positive knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intent regarding safe sleep compared to controls.
• Young mothers in the intervention group reported higher self-efficacy and more positive attitudes towards safe sleep.
• However, no significant differences in observed or reported safe sleep practices were found between the intervention and control groups post-delivery.

Conclusions:

• While the Safety Baby Shower intervention effectively improved knowledge and intent for safe infant sleep, it did not translate into improved sleep practices.
• Difficulties in implementing safe sleep knowledge, even with increased self-efficacy, highlight the need to address prenatal barriers.
• Future interventions should focus on identifying and overcoming practical obstacles to safe sleep implementation in this vulnerable population.