Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Nov 16, 2023
Date Accepted: Mar 14, 2024
Short Paper: Analysis of Photos Shared on Facebook in the Context of Safe Sleep Recommendations
ABSTRACT
Background:
Sudden unexpected infant death remains a leading cause of infant mortality; therefore, understanding practices of infant sleep at home is essential. Since social media analyses yield invaluable patient perspectives, understanding sleep practices in the context of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) via a Facebook mother’s group is instrumental for healthcare providers and researchers.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify photos shared by mothers discussing SIDS online and assess their adherence to infant sleep guidelines per the American Academy of Pediatrics. We hypothesize the photos will not adhere to guidelines, based on prior research and increasing rates of accidental suffocation and strangulation.
Methods:
Among 20 posts and 912 comments from 512 mothers who participated in a Facebook mother’s group discussing SIDS, 24 personal photos were identified. Of these, 14 pertained to the infant sleeping environment. Each photo was analyzed based on the dimensions of safe sleep.
Results:
Of the personal shared photos relating to the infant sleep environment, 86% violated safe sleep guidelines. Violations included prone sleeping, foreign objects in the sleeping environment, and use of infant sleeping devices. Use of infant monitoring devices was also identified.
Conclusions:
This study is unique because the photos originated from the home setting, in the context of SIDS, and without researcher interference. Given the commonality of unsafe environments, this study sets the stage for future investigation regarding barriers to safe sleep. Clinical Trial: NA
Citation
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