Bedsharing Perspectives among Latino Caregivers.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Sociology of Health
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Infant sleep practices vary significantly across cultural groups.
• Understanding decision-making processes is crucial for safe infant sleep interventions.
• Latino families have unique cultural considerations influencing infant care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the decision-making process of Latino family caregivers regarding infant sleep locations.
• To identify factors influencing these sleep decisions within the Latino community.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed.
• Purposive theoretical sampling recruited 45 Latino family caregivers from the Midwest.
• Virtual interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using open, selective, and theoretical coding.

Main Results:

• The core process identified was "Caregiver Vigilance."
• Outcomes included crib placement, intentional bedsharing, and unintentional bedsharing.
• Six factors influenced outcomes: pediatrician recommendations, caregiver beliefs, grandmother's advice, postpartum fatigue, breastfeeding, and bonding.

Conclusions:

• Infant safe sleep decisions among Latino caregivers are multifaceted.
• Findings inform nurses on assessing needs and addressing bedsharing practices in the Latino population.