Factors Affecting Parents' Choices in Following Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Risk Reduction Recommendations for Sleep Position: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to identify barriers, which cause parents/guardians to comply with, or disregard, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Risk reduction recommendation specific to sleep position. This research seeks to identify parents/guardians who are not following the recommendation for SIDS risk reduction and explore why they choose not to comply. The percentage of mothers who replace their infants on their stomachs to sleep declined after the Back to Sleep Campaign was launched promoting a different sleep position. Many mothers continue to place thei infants on thei stomachs to sleep even though it has been shown to increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Although the recommendation appears simple, parents/guardians continue to put their infants prone for sleeping. Our objective is to identify factors affecting parent's choices in following the SIDS risk reduction recommendation for sleep position.