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Alghanim FF, Almubayedh TA, Alseba Z. Assessing Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude of Saudi Mothers Regarding Shaken Baby Syndrome in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Prospective Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e51884. [PMID: 38192531 PMCID: PMC10773940 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a form of traumatic brain injury. Shaking babies can cause the brain matter to bounce within the cranium causing bruising and bleeding, which can result in permanent brain injury. Understanding the attitudes and knowledge of mothers on SBS would help establish effective interventions to raise awareness and establish preventive measures and education programs to avoid debilitating sequelae from SBS in newborns and infants. This study aimed to explore the awareness and attitude regarding SBS. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1st through July 31st, 2023. The study population is comprised of mothers who are residents of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and excluded females with no children and those who refused to participate, in addition to mothers not in the Eastern Province. The final sample size included 403 participants. An online-based validated questionnaire was used in the Arabic language. The questionnaire included demographic information and questions to assess the knowledge and attitude of participants regarding SBS. The chi-square test was used to test for significant associations. The majority of the participants were married (72%), while 15.6% were divorced and 10.2% were widowed. Only 7.4% of the participants were illiterates, 30.5% had primary education only, and 15.9% had postgraduate studies. Of note, 37% of the participants said that they would shake their children to calm them if they started to cry. Only 33% of the participants said that shaking babies is harmful. The most commonly reported complications of shaking babies were intracranial bleeding (48.1%), behavioral changes (23.8%), and learning disability (23.5%). Regarding attitude toward SBS, more than two-thirds (72.5%) of the participants said that they want to know more about SBS. Only the educational level had statistically significant relationship between the awareness and the sociodemographic level of the participants. This study concludes that Saudi mothers' knowledge about SBS is inadequate despite the favorable attitude toward gaining information about it. The awareness level is significantly associated with educational status, which reflects the importance of education programs, especially during the pregnancy period, in raising awareness about SBS and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zahra Alseba
- Pediatrics, Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, SAU
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Alzahrani F, Al-Jabri BA, Ramadan SAL, Alshehri AM, Alsheikh AS, Mushaeb HH, Albisher SF, AlSwealh MS. Parental Knowledge and Awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pediatr Rep 2023; 15:311-322. [PMID: 37218927 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric15020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the serious consequences of shaken baby syndrome (SBS), previous studies revealed a low level of knowledge among Saudi parents. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. An electronic questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms to parents of pediatric age group children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 524 responses were received. Data about participants' demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding SBS were collected through convenient random sampling. RESULTS A total of 524 responses were received; 30.7% of the participants were familiar with SBS. The Internet and the social media platforms were the most common sources of information. There was no statistically significant correlation between knowledge levels and participants' sociodemographic factors; only 32.3% of individuals had good knowledge. Of them, 84% had a positive attitude towards learning more about SBS, and 40.1% and 34.3% were interested in learning more about SBS before and during pregnancy, respectively. Carrying the baby and shaking were the actions most frequently taken when a baby was crying. Of them, 23.9% forcefully shake their child, while 41.4% of them throw their infant up in the air and catch it. CONCLUSIONS It is important to conduct health education programs on SBS for mothers throughout the prenatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Alzahrani
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma A Al-Jabri
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Gao Q, Tong L, Tang L, Zhong W, Zhu H. Parental knowledge on infant crying and abusive head trauma and relevant shaking behaviors in China. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 115:105025. [PMID: 33714183 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to characterize the knowledge about infant crying and abusive head trauma (AHT), and shaking behaviors in parents of children in China, which are lacking currently. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2020. We collected information about the knowledge of the typical patterns of infant crying and AHT, and asked about beliefs of the effects of violent shaking on children's health, and shaking behavior among parents. RESULTS A total of 568 parents completed the questionnaire, and only 1.6 % of them answered all nine knowledge questions related to infant crying correctly. Overall, 42.6 % of participants reported they had heard about AHT, but only 17.1 % of the parents reported they knew enough about the dangers of infant shaking. About 45 % of the parents acknowledged that they had shaken their infants at least once. Parents who were from western region of China (OR = 3.860; 95 % CI = 1.871, 7.966; p < 0.001) and have felt very frustrated because of the baby's crying over half of the time (OR = 3.401; 95 % CI = 1.862, 6.211; p < 0.001) had the highest risk of shaking. Majority of the parents reported that they needed further information about infant soothing techniques, knowledge of prevention and treatment about AHT. CONCLUSIONS Majority of Chinese parents do not have enough knowledge about normal infant crying, nevertheless, most of them expressing needs in learning more. Community-wide advocating efforts aiming to educate parents on awareness and knowledge about AHT should be a health priority in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Gao
- Capital Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Beijing, China.
| | - Linhang Tong
- Capital Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Beijing, China.
| | - Lixia Tang
- Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Weiqiang Zhong
- Capital Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Beijing, China.
| | - Huiping Zhu
- Capital Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Beijing, China.
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Cala Cala LF, Kelly CL, Ramos E, VanVleet M, High P. Which Mothers Know That All Babies Cry? A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Child Abuse Prevention Program for Low-Income New Mothers. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2020; 59:865-873. [PMID: 32432487 DOI: 10.1177/0009922820922532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated an intervention for low-income new mothers, half from Spanish-speaking homes, that provides education around infant crying and abusive head trauma (AHT). At enrollment, non-US-born mothers were less likely than US-born mothers to have heard of shaken baby syndrome (60% vs 89%, P ≤ .0001) or to know shaking babies could lead to brain damage or death (48% vs 80%, P < .0001). At follow-up, non-US-born intervention mothers had improved knowledge of the peak of crying (31% vs 4%, P = .009), improved knowledge that shaking a baby could lead to brain damage or death (36% vs 12%, P = .035), and identified more calming strategies for parenting stress compared with non-US-born control mothers (+0.8 [SD = 1.1] vs -0.4 [SD = 1.4]). This study identifies a gap in AHT knowledge at baseline of non-US-born mothers. These mothers had improved knowledge with intervention and are an important population for similar prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F Cala Cala
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carrie Leah Kelly
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Elaina Ramos
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Marcia VanVleet
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Pamela High
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Berthold O, Clemens V, Witt A, Brähler E, Plener PL, Fegert JM. Awareness of abusive head trauma in a German population-based sample: implications for prevention. Pediatr Res 2019; 86:537-541. [PMID: 31212304 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0467-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite efforts to reduce the incidence of abusive head trauma (AHT), incidence rates remain high. One cause is that prevention programs mostly aim to educate mothers of newborns on AHT and infant crying. However, mothers commonly have already a high knowledge and constitute only a minority among identified AHT perpetrators. The hypothesis was that there are great differences in AHT awareness in different subgroups. To assess awareness of AHT, a population-based study was performed. METHODS A population-based representative sample of the German population aged >14 years (N = 2510) was assessed in a cross-sectional observational survey. The sample was selected in a random route approach between November 2017 and February 2018. RESULTS Overall knowledge of AHT was higher in women (67.9%) than in men (48.8%, p < 0.001). Female gender, having children, higher age, and level of education were predictors for the awareness of AHT. A majority of participants reported to have heard about AHT from the media. CONCLUSIONS Awareness of AHT differs significantly within the population. In groups at higher risk to perpetrate AHT, including men, young caregivers, and those with low educational level, awareness of AHT was low. These subgroups should be targeted by tailored education programs for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Berthold
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany. .,Child Abuse Clinic, Department of Pediatrics, DRK Kliniken Berlin
- Westend, Spandauer Damm 130, 14050, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Vera Clemens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andreas Witt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Paul L Plener
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg M Fegert
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
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Berthold O, Witt A, Clemens V, Brähler E, Plener PL, Fegert JM. Do we get the message through? Difficulties in the prevention of abusive head trauma. Eur J Pediatr 2019; 178:139-146. [PMID: 30353222 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-018-3273-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many programs aim to prevent abusive head trauma throughout the USA, Europe, and in many other regions of the world. Most of these programs inform mothers shortly after delivery about the dangers of abusive head trauma. Effectiveness of these programs usually is measured by the increase of knowledge on abusive head trauma. Recent research showed, however that for effective primary prevention, a much broader approach might be necessary. But so far, there is no data that reports the knowledge on key messages on abusive head trauma in the general public as a baseline. We conducted a representative population-based survey on abusive head trauma knowledge in Germany. Whereas the dangers are generally well known, a majority might be ambivalent towards the recommendation to leave a crying infant alone for a few minutes when the caregiver becomes too stressed or frustrated. Furthermore, a majority prefers being informed on abusive head trauma before birth.Conclusion: Future preventive programs should focus on educating adolescents (potential baby sitters) and young adults when they do not yet have children of their own. What is known: • Most programs for primary prevention of abusive head trauma (AHT) focus on mothers shortly after delivery • There are no analyses so far of the quality of education programs in the general public, as educating mothers might not be sufficient to reduce incidence rates What is new: • Our study is the first population-based survey to measure the knowledge on AHT in a representative population sample and to provide the data base for targeted prevention programs. • The introduction of broader prevention programs might be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Berthold
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany. .,Child Abuse Clinic, DRK Kliniken Berlin
- Westend, Spandauer Damm 130, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Witt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vera Clemens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul L Plener
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg M Fegert
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
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