Safe Sleep Knowledge and Use of Provided Cribs in a Crib Delivery Program

Abstract

Introduction. Risk of infant sleep-related death can be reduced
through safe sleep practices. Barriers to infant safe sleep have been
mitigated through education and crib distribution, however, previous
studies have not explored whether distributed cribs are put to use.

Methods. In a rural Michigan county, the Great Start Sleep Initiative
supplied cribs and education shortly after infant birth to families
with high-risk of infant mortality, as assessed through comprehensive
interviews with families by program staff. Participant knowledge
was evaluated using structured pre- and post-assessments before
and after education. Further, a home visit was conducted to evaluate
the infant’s sleeping environment. Data from the program, collected
between January 2012 and December 2014, were evaluated.

Results. Cribs and concomitant education were delivered to 75
caregivers. Knowledge of safe sleep practices increased significantly
at follow-up with 67 caregivers (89%) affirming back positioning,
68 (91%) endorsing removal of unsafe items or soft objects, such
as blankets, from the sleeping area, and 42 (56%) renouncing bedsharing.
At the home visit, 74 caregivers (99%) were using a crib to
put their infant down to sleep, 70 (93%) were using the provided
crib, and 67 (89%) had no unsafe items in the child’s sleeping area.

Conclusion. Providing education to high-risk mothers
resulted in improved safe sleep knowledge and provided
cribs are used in these homes. KS J Med 2017;10(3):59-61.