Assessment of Parents' Knowledge Regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Prevention and Safe Sleep Practices in Neonatal and Pediatric Units in Selected Hospitals in Palestine

Abstract

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a major cause of sudden and unexpected infant deaths. Evidence-based safe sleep recommendations include putting babies to sleep, using firm bedding, avoiding soft beds, bed-sharing, and educating parents that these practices are an important part of promoting safe sleep. The aim of this study was to assess parental knowledge of SIDS prevention and identify safety practices among parents of infants treated in selected hospitals in Palestine. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 100 parents of infants admitted to pediatric and neonatal units in selected hospital in Palestine. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire in Arabic, including sociodemographic characteristics and information about SIDS, and safe sleep recommendations. The majority were mothers (91%). Al Makashed Hospital (55%) was the most represented, followed by Caritas Children’s Hospital (26%) and Al Ahli Hospital (19%). In terms of knowledge about sleep safety, 79% recommend a supine or back to sleep as the safest position. Fifty percent strongly agreed that the baby should sleep in the same room as the mother but in a separate bed. Seventy-two percent identified smoking as a risk factor, 71% identified breastfeeding as a protective factor, 68% identified the importance of removing pillows and sheets, and 67% agreed that hard mattresses are safer than soft mattresses. However, significant knowledge gaps remained. In particular, although parent demonstrate the good knowledge (supine sleep position, avoid smoking, breastfeeding) important knowledge gap still remained regarding side sleeping, room sharing, overheating, and unsafe sleep surface such as sofas and armchairs