ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of prematurity and low birth-weight places twin infants at increased risk for sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and/or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Risk for these SUID and SIDS is affected by a combination of nonmodifiable intrinsic risk factors and modifiable extrinsic stressors including infant care practices related to sleep. Although adherence to the full scope of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2011 recommendations is intended to decrease risk, these recommendations are aimed at singleton infants and may require tailoring for families with multiple infants. PURPOSE: The study describes infant care practices reported by mothers of twins in the first 6 months postpartum. METHODS: Mothers caring for twin infants (N = 35) were surveyed online both longitudinally (at 2, 8, 16, and 24 weeks after infant hospital discharge) and cross-sectionally. AAP recommendations (2011) guided survey content. RESULTS: The degree of adherence to AAP recommendations varied over time. For example, mothers of twins reported 100% adherence to placing twins supine for sleep initially, but many reported putting babies on their stomachs for naps as twins became older. Sharing a parent's bedroom decreased over time as did frequency of crib sharing. Fewer than half of mothers offered a pacifier most or all of the time for sleep. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Opportunities exist for development of an educational program geared specifically for postpartum parents of twins. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Barriers affecting adherence to AAP recommendations and effectiveness of educational programs addressing needs of this unique population need further exploration.
Subject(s)
Bedding and Linens , Infant Care/statistics & numerical data , Mothers/statistics & numerical data , Risk Reduction Behavior , Sleep , Sudden Infant Death/prevention & control , Supine Position , Twins , Breast Feeding , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Guideline Adherence , Health Behavior , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Milk, Human , Prospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Temperature , Tobacco Smoke PollutionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains the third leading cause of infant death in the United States and the leading cause of death beyond 1 month of age. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released the newest SIDS risk-reduction recommendations, which address healthcare providers in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Little is known about neonatal nurses' SIDS prevention strategies since the release of these newest recommendations. PURPOSE: To assess neonatal nurses' beliefs, knowledge, and practices regarding SIDS prevention in both the NICU and step-down transitional care unit (TCU). METHODS: A prospective-descriptive design was used. The 33-item SIDS Risk-Reduction Questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of nurses in a level III NICU/TCU in the Midwest. RESULTS: Two hundred questionnaires were distributed; 96 (48%) were returned completed. Fifty-three percent of nurses strongly agreed that SIDS recommendations make a difference in preventing SIDS and 20% strongly believed that parents model SIDS prevention practices employed by staff. A majority of nurses correctly identified 2011 recommendations. Sixty-three percent of nurses often or always gave parents verbal information and 28% often or always gave parents written information regarding SIDS. Differences were seen between NICU and TCU nurses concerning beliefs and practices, suggesting that TCU nurses more consistently follow SIDS recommendations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Increased neonatal nursing and parental education regarding SIDS prevention and updated hospital policies promoting safe sleep are paramount. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Larger multicenter studies in level II/III NICUs are needed to provide further data on SIDS attitudes and practices.
