Abstract
Supporting culturally valued infant care practices in high risk infant sleep environments: trial of a safe sleep enabler
5th International Conference on Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture Abstract Book, p.63
International Conference on Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture: Relational, Biocultural and Spatial Perspectives, 5th (Sydney, Australia, 05-Nov-2014–07-Nov-2014)
2014
Abstract
Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies are 3.8 times more likely to die suddenly and unexpectedly than non-Indigenous infants. Sleeping with a baby is a common infant care practice particularly for breastfeeding infants, and the cultural norm in Indigenous communities. However infant deaths are associated with co-sleeping in hazardous circumstances; particularly for preterm or low birth weight babies or where smoking, alcohol, drug use or unsafe sleep environments are present (1). The use of portable sleep spaces to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) for families with identified risk factors has not been previously reported in Australia. Indigenous communities have identified this area as a priority for investigation (2) following successful trials of a safe sleep enabler in some Maori communities in Christchurch, New Zealand (3). Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability and feasibility of the Pēpi-pod Program, a portable infant sleep space embedded within safe sleep health promotion, within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families from six Queensland communities. Methods: An exploratory descriptive design was used to report parent experiences (target n=100) of using the Pēpi-pod Program to support safe infant sleep. Families were selected through six health services which provide antenatal and maternity care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and include metropolitan, rural and remote areas of Queensland. Eligible participants were parent/s and/or carers of a baby (ideally <1 month of age) with the presence of one or more known SUDI risk factors (1). The Pēpi-pod Program (3) comprises three interlinked components: 1) Safe Space: a polypropylene box transformed into an infant bed through addition of a fabric cover, mattress and bedding; 2) Safe Care: parent education includes safety briefing and safe sleeping information; 3) Role of family: families committed to spread what they had learned about protecting babies as they sleep. Parent questionnaires were administered face-to-face or by telephone within 2 weeks of receiving the Pēpi-pod; then monthly thereafter until pod use ceased. Results: A total of 31 families meeting eligibility criteria were recruited by February 2014, with a minimum of 50 families anticipated by November 2014. The acceptability of the Pēpi-pod as a safe sleep space for babies was supported by parent responses that related to three key themes: safety, convenience and portability. Awareness of safe sleeping messages has been raised through social networks. Nil adverse outcomes have been reported. In several organisations, the Pepi-pod Program has been integrated into current service provision. Conclusion: The Pēpi-pod program was accepted and used appropriately by parents living in Queensland Indigenous communities. To further reduce SUDI, innovative strategies which allow for co-sleeping benefits, respect cultural norms and infant care practices, whilst enabling safe sleep environments are necessary. Implications for policy, practice and education: Evaluating innovative and culturally respectful strategies to reduce SUDI risk will better inform the evidence-base used by educators, clinicians, researchers and policy makers in supporting parents to use safe infant sleeping strategies.
Details
- Title
- Supporting culturally valued infant care practices in high risk infant sleep environments: trial of a safe sleep enabler
- Authors
- Jeanine Young (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringLeanne Craigie (Author)Karen Watson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringLauren Kearney (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringStephanie Cowan (Author)Margaret Barnes (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- 5th International Conference on Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture Abstract Book, p.63
- Conference details
- International Conference on Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture: Relational, Biocultural and Spatial Perspectives, 5th (Sydney, Australia, 05-Nov-2014–07-Nov-2014)
- Publisher
- University of Western Sydney
- Date published
- 2014
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448729802621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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