FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO RISK OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME AMONG PRIMARY CAREGIVERS PRESENTING TO TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL[
Keywords:
Sudden infant death syndrome, risk factors, mortalityAbstract
Background: Sudden infant death syndrome is one of the leading causes of mortality in children aged more than one month to one year. A number of maternal and Infant related risk factors are implicated in its causation. The current study was designed to determine the frequency of risk factors of SIDS in our community and assess the knowledge of primary caregivers about safe infant sleeping practices. The results will help guide interventions aimed at making effective policies for educating primary caregivers about safe infant sleep practices. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient department of Pediatrics unit, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad over a six months period during which a total of 245 primary caregivers were interviewed to determine the frequency of risk factors of SIDS among them as well as to assess their knowledge about SIDS. Sampling technique was consecutive sampling of non-probability type. Results: A total of 245 primary caregivers were included in the study. Sleep related risk factors, bed sharing and use of coverlet were widely prevalent among the population. A total of 85.7% of primary caregivers reported to share bed with infants during sleep and 53.9% of infants were put to sleep in lateral position. A vast majority 95.9% of primary caregivers used coverlets on their infants while sleeping. Conclusion: Primary caregivers had significant demographic and infant sleep related risk factors for SIDS. Health education-based interventions are suggested to create awareness about safe infant sleeping practices for minimizing risk of SIDS in infants.
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