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Keila Kavistan and Evelyn Rodriguez. Maternity Care Coalition, 2000 Hamilton Street, Suite 205, Philadelphia, PA 19130, (215)725-8027, kkavistan@momobile.org
Even though the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Back to Sleep campaign contributed to the decline of SIDS by 40% nationally, this success is not reflected in urban populations especially among African-American communities. With a SIDS rate in Philadelphia (1.6 per 1,000 births) more than double the national rate (0.5 per 1,000 births), data in Philadelphia between 1995 and 2000 revealed that 76.6% of all SIDS deaths were African-American. In addition, when sleep position and environment were known, 78.6% were found on their stomach/side and 72% of all SIDS infants were placed on an adult bed or couch, respectfully. A culturally appropriate approach is needed to encourage mothers to place their infants to sleep on their backs in a safe sleep environment.
To address these issues, community health workers, known as Advocates, at Maternity Care Coalition provide education to families through regular monthly home visits in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Advocates work to empower mothers to provide their infants with a safe sleep environment. In doing so, mothers must overcome the generational and cultural influences associated with sleep environment and sleep position (i.e. bed-sharing and prone sleeping).
During this interactive session, Advocates from Maternity Care Coalition will address the strategies and challenges faced by home visitors through role playing, demonstration, and small group discussion.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Home Visiting, SIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.