Abstract
Introduction
Studies on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Saudi Arabia are limited due to strict religious faith-related observances. The aim of this study was to assess Saudi mothers’ awareness about SIDS.
Methodology
A cross-sectional online electronic survey was administered in different Saudi regions. A self-reported validated Arabic questionnaire was used for collecting data. The study sample included 363 respondents from 384 sample members.
Results
The final sample consisted of 363 (94.8%) respondents, a reduction in size due to 21 non-responders from the total 384 sample members. Two-hundred and thirty-two (63.9%) of the 363 respondents reported not having heard of any SIDS prevention messages, while 36.1% of them had received such messages. Most of the respondents (53.2%) correctly reported that babies should be laid on their backs while putting them to sleep, and only 5.5% reported that babies should be laid in their stomachs when being put to rest. Participants > 50 years, of urban residence, and with primary education had higher knowledge levels. Participants with an age of 18 to 29 years and those with higher education had higher knowledge levels about the correct baby position. Participants with an age between 30 and 39 years, of urban residence, and those with a primary educational level had a higher prevalence of receiving messages about SIDS.
Conclusion
A very good understanding of the proper way to put a baby to sleep among the participants was found, and most of them thought that messages about SIDS were not useful. This study suggests that health education messages regarding SIDS should be directed to all pregnant mothers.