Knowledge and infant care practices regardingsudden infant death syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS is defined as the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including the performance of complete autopsy, an examination of the death scene and a review of the clinical history. A descriptive study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and infant care practices among mothers visiting pediatric OPD of Ludhiana Punjab.

To assess the knowledge and infant care practices regarding sudden infant death syndrome among mothers

Quantitative Descriptive study was undertaken on 100 mothers selected through convenience sampling. Data was collected by interview schedule method through structured questionnaire for knowledge and rating scale for infant care practices which was validated by experts in the field of Nursing and pediatrics. Analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The result of study revealed that majority of mothers (74%) were having poor knowledge, (22%) were having below average knowledge and only (4%) had average knowledge regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. According to infant care practices more than half of mothers (53%) were having good practices and less than half (47%) were having average practices regarding Sudden infant death syndrome.

To reduce the burden of Neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries; there is great need of all the health workers to work hand in hand to educate the women regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and to improve the practices.