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Huber R, Menon M, Russell RB, Smith S, Scott S, Berns SD. Community infant safe sleep and breastfeeding promotion and population level-outcomes: A mixed methods study. Midwifery 2024; 132:103953. [PMID: 38430791 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEM In the U.S., sudden unexpected infant deaths due to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed are increasing. Though breastfeeding is a protective factor against sudden unexpected infant death, motivations to breastfeed often couple with unsafe infant sleep practices. Racial/ethnic disparities are present in sudden unexpected infant death, accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed, and breastfeeding. BACKGROUND Promoting infant safe sleep and breastfeeding through community-level initiatives could address disparities in related outcomes. AIM Investigate the relationship between community-level strategies and associated state-level outcomes for infant safe sleep and breastfeeding. METHODS We employed an intervention mixed methods framework and exploratory sequential design. The qualitative component entailed a hermeneutical phenomenological framework to analyze key informant interview data from seven U.S. community-level providers participating in a practice improvement initiative. The quantitative component entailed descriptively analyzing infant safe sleep and breastfeeding indicators from the 2019 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System and Ohio Pregnancy Assessment Survey. Qualitative and quantitative data were linked through embedded integration. FINDINGS We identified two mixed insights: gaps in promotion and outcomes, and persistent disparities between infant safe sleep and breastfeeding promotion and outcomes. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate conversational approaches could improve infant safe sleep and breastfeeding promotion, outcomes, and relative disparities. We find that community collaboration is needed to address organizational capacity limitations in promoting infant safe sleep and breastfeeding. CONCLUSION Community-level organizations and providers should consider tailoring program offerings and care delivery to include conversational approaches and community collaboration to promote infant safe sleep and breastfeeding and decrease relative disparities in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Huber
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210, USA.
| | - Meera Menon
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Rebecca B Russell
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Sharla Smith
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Kansas Birth Equity Network, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Stacy Scott
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Scott D Berns
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, USA; Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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LoCasale-Crouch J, Wallace MK, Heeren T, Kerr S, Yue Y, Deeken G, Turnbull K, Jaworski B, Mateus MC, Moon R, Hauck FR, Kellams A, Colson E, Corwin MJ. The importance of community resources for breastfeeding. Int Breastfeed J 2024; 19:16. [PMID: 38448983 PMCID: PMC10916149 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-024-00623-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding has long-lasting effects on children's cognition, behavioral, mental and physical health. Previous research shows parental characteristics (e.g., education, race/ethnicity, income level) are associated with breastfeeding initiation and duration. Further, research shows significant variation in access to community resources by race/ethnicity. It is unclear how community resources may impact breastfeeding practices and how this might intersect with maternal race/ethnicity. METHODS This study combined nationally-representative data from the Study of Attitudes and Factors Effecting Infant Care (SAFE), which surveyed US mothers immediately after the infant's birth and at two to six months of infant age, with the Child Opportunity Index (COI) 2.0, a census tract measure of community resources associated with child development, to explore the association between community resources and breastfeeding initiation and whether this varies based on maternal race/ethnicity and country of birth. The SAFE Study used a stratified, two-stage, clustered design to obtain a nationally representative sample of mothers of infants, while oversampling Hispanic and non-Hispanic (NH) Black mothers. The SAFE study enrolled mothers who spoke English or Spanish across 32 US birth hospitals between January 2011 and March 2014. RESULTS After accounting for individual characteristics, mothers residing in the highest-resourced communities (compared to the lowest) had significantly greater likelihood of breastfeeding. Representation in higher-resourced communities differed by race/ethnicity. Race/ethnicity did not significantly moderate the association between community resources and breastfeeding. In examining within race/ethnic groups, however, community resources were not associated with non-US born Black and Hispanic mothers' rates of breastfeeding, while they were with US born Black and Hispanic mothers. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that even health behaviors like breastfeeding, which we often associate with individual choice, are connected to the community resources within which they are made. Study implications point to the importance of considering the impact of the contextual factors that shape health and as a potential contributor to understanding the observed race/ethnicity gap.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Timothy Heeren
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen Kerr
- Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yitong Yue
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Genevieve Deeken
- Department of Global Public Health- Global Studies, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Khara Turnbull
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brianna Jaworski
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mayaris Cubides Mateus
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rachel Moon
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Fern Robin Hauck
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ann Kellams
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Eve Colson
- School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael Jay Corwin
- Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Coolman FL, Turnbull KLP, LoCasale-Crouch J, Moon RY, Hauck FR, Kellams A, Colson E. Maternal Informal Learning Experiences that Shape Parenting Practices. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2023; 44:875-890. [PMID: 37193088 PMCID: PMC10181806 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x211055122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective Current understanding of the linkage between maternal education and parenting practices has largely been informed using a narrow definition of educational attainment-the highest level of education an individual has completed. However, the proximal processes that shape parenting, including informal learning experiences, are also important to understand. Less is known about the informal learning experiences that shape parenting decisions and practices. To this end, we conducted a qualitative inquiry about the informal learning experiences of mothers of children ages 3 to 4 years with the specific goal of understanding how maternal informal learning experiences shape parenting decisions and practices. Design We conducted interviews with 53 mothers from across the United States who had previously participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an intervention targeting infant care practices. We recruited a purposive sample of mothers chosen to maximize diversity across educational attainment and adherence to infant care practices targeted in the RCT. Using a grounded theory approach, data were analyzed using an iterative process for organizing codes and themes that mothers identified as informal learning experiences. Results We identified seven themes representing distinct types of maternal informal learning experiences that impact parenting practices, including: (1) experiential learning during childhood; (2) experiential learning during adulthood; (3) interpersonal interactions including via social media; (4) experiences with non-interactive media sources; (5) informal trainings; (6) beliefs; and (7) current circumstances. Conclusions Multiple informal learning experiences inform the parenting decisions and practices of mothers with varying levels of formal educational attainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances L Coolman
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville and Washington University, Saint Louis, United States
| | - Khara L P Turnbull
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville and Washington University, Saint Louis, United States
| | | | - Rachel Y Moon
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville and Washington University, Saint Louis, United States
| | - Fern R Hauck
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville and Washington University, Saint Louis, United States
| | - Ann Kellams
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville and Washington University, Saint Louis, United States
| | - Eve Colson
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville and Washington University, Saint Louis, United States
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Menon M, Huber R, West DD, Scott S, Russell RB, Berns SD. Community-based approaches to infant safe sleep and breastfeeding promotion: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:437. [PMID: 36882767 PMCID: PMC9989577 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15227-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the U.S., sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) due to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (ASSB) are increasing, with disparities by race/ethnicity. While breastfeeding is a protective factor against infant mortality, racial/ethnic disparities are present in its uptake, and motivations to breastfeed are also often coupled with non-recommended infant sleep practices that are associated with infant sleep deaths. Combining infant safe sleep (ISS) and breastfeeding promotion on the community level presents opportunities to address racial/ethnic disparities and associated socioeconomic, cultural, and psychosocial influences. METHODS We completed a descriptive qualitative hermeneutical phenomenology using thematic analysis of focus group data. We examined the phenomenon of community-level providers promoting ISS and breastfeeding in communities vulnerable to ISS and breastfeeding disparities. We asked eighteen informants participating in a national quality improvement collaborative about i.) areas requiring additional support to meet community needs around ISS and breastfeeding, and ii.) recommendations on tools to improve their work promoting ISS and breastfeeding. RESULTS We identified four themes: i.) education and dissemination, ii.) relationship building and social support, iii.) working with clients' personal circumstances and considerations, and iv.) tools and systems. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support embedding risk-mitigation approaches in ISS education; relationship building between providers, clients, and peers; and the provision of ISS and breastfeeding supportive material resources with educational opportunities. These findings may be used to inform community-level provider approaches to ISS and breastfeeding promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera Menon
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Rebecca Huber
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
| | - Dana D West
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Stacy Scott
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Rebecca B Russell
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Scott D Berns
- The National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ), 308 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Chin S, Carlin R, Mathews A, Moon R. Infant Safe Sleep Practices as Portrayed on Instagram: Observational Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2021; 4:e27297. [PMID: 34779783 PMCID: PMC8663591 DOI: 10.2196/27297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parenting practices are highly influenced by perceived social norms. Social norms and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for infant safe sleep practices are often inconsistent. Instagram has become one of the most popular social media websites among young adults (including many expectant and new parents). We hypothesized that the majority of Instagram images of infant sleep and sleep environments are inconsistent with AAP guidelines, and that the number of "likes" for each image would not correlate with adherence of the image to these guidelines. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the extent of adherence of Instagram images of infant sleep and sleep environments to safe infant sleep guidelines. METHODS We searched Instagram using hashtags that were relevant to infant sleeping practices and environments. We then used an open-source web scraper to collect images and the number of "likes" for each image from 27 hashtags. Images were analyzed for adherence to AAP safe sleep guidelines. RESULTS A total of 1563 images (1134 of sleeping infant; 429 of infant sleep environment without sleeping infant) met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Only 117 (7.49%) of the 1563 images were consistent with AAP guidelines. The most common reasons for inconsistency with AAP guidelines were presence of bedding (1173/1563, 75.05%) and nonrecommended sleep position (479/1134, 42.24%). The number of "likes" was not correlated with adherence of the image to AAP guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Although individuals who use Instagram and post pictures of sleeping infants or infant sleep environments may not actually use these practices regularly, the consistent portrayal of images inconsistent with AAP guidelines reinforces that these practices are normative and may influence the practice of young parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Chin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rebecca Carlin
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anita Mathews
- Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Rachel Moon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Carlin RF, Cornwell B, Mathews A, Wang J, Cheng YI, Yan X, Fu LY, Moon RY. Impact of Personal Social Network Types on Breastfeeding Practices in United States-Born Black and White Women. Breastfeed Med 2021; 16:807-813. [PMID: 34009013 PMCID: PMC8665818 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2021.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: An individual's personal social network influences behavior; one is more likely to adopt behaviors consistent with norms within the network to avoid social stigma. Personal social network types, which are associated with individual behaviors, have been identified for new mothers: exclusive (kin centric) and expansive (not kin centric). Objective: To analyze the impact of personal social network type on breastfeeding practices in U.S.-born Black and White mothers. Methods: Mothers of infants <6 months old completed surveys about their personal social networks and feeding practices. Multinomial logit models examined how social network types moderated effects of sociodemographic factors on feeding practices. Results: Of 402 mothers, 67% self-identified as Black and 33% as White. Forty-six percent were exclusively breastfeeding; 26% were mixed breast and formula feeding. The likelihood of exclusively breastfeeding was positively associated with percentage of network members who had breastfed; this association was stronger for mothers with exclusive networks than those with expansive networks (β = 2.74, p < 0.001 versus β = 1.78, p = 0.03). Black race was positively correlated with exclusive breastfeeding or mixed feeding for mothers with exclusive networks (β = 1.50, p = 0.046; β = 1.86, p = 0.02, respectively). Lower educational level was negatively correlated with exclusive breastfeeding; this correlation was stronger for mothers with exclusive networks (β = -1.91, p = 0.002 versus β = -1.70, p = 0.04). Lower educational level was also negatively correlated with mixed feeding for mothers with exclusive networks (β = -1.61, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Mothers' personal social network type likely moderates the relationship between sociodemographic variables and feeding practices. While the influence of having network members with breastfeeding experience is important, the magnitude of influence is stronger in exclusive networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca F. Carlin
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Anita Mathews
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jichuan Wang
- Center for Translational Science, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Yao I. Cheng
- Center for Translational Science, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Xuewen Yan
- Department of Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Linda Y. Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Rachel Y. Moon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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