Mothers’ knowledge and practice of infant sleep position

Background: Prone sleeping by infants has been associated with increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Many child caregivers continue to be unaware of the association of SIDS and infant sleep position and/or are misinformed as to the risks and benefits of the various sleep positions.Objectives: To explore mothers’ knowledge and practice of infant sleep position and SIDS.Methods: The study was conducted in April – August 2012 amongst mothers of infants attending the Paediatric Outpatient Clinics of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on biodata andknowledge and practice of infant sleep position and SIDS. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.Results: A total of 282 mothers participated in the study; 167 (59.2%) of them had tertiary education while 265 (94.0%) were married. The commonest sleep position was prone position (44.3%).Baby’s comfort was the commonest reason for choice of position. There was no significantrelationship between mother’s age and education and choice of infant sleep position (p > 0.05).A total of 229(81.2%) respondents were unawareof any medically recommended sleep position. Of those who were aware, the commonest source of knowledge was grandmothers. A total of 99 (35.1%) respondents had heard of SIDS but over 80% of them did not know the cause.Conclusion: Mothers in Port Harcourt have poor knowledge of infant sleep position. Doctors should take more active part in educating mothers on safe child care practices.Key words: Infant sleep position, mothers, sudden infant death syndrome,Nigeri