Evaluation of The Period Of PURPLE Crying, A Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Program

Background: While The Period of PURPLE Crying has demonstrated effectiveness in randomized trials, it has been less evaluated in community settings.

Objective: To evaluate the process and outcomes of The Period of PURPLE Crying program implemented by nurses in five local hospitals to birthing mothers before their discharges.

Methods: Process evaluation data were collected from mother and nurse dyads between March and August, 2011. Enrolled mothers' knowledge about the dangers of shaking infants and soothing and coping techniques for infant crying were collected through phone interview two months after discharge.

Results: Of 215 mothers enrolled in the study, 90% reported that the education was very useful. Most mothers reported understanding the dangers of shaking an infant (96%), techniques to soothe a crying infant (93%), and strategies to cope with infant crying (96%) following the education session. Of 215 nurse responses, 98% indicated they felt confident in educating the mothers and perceived that the mother understood the information provided. Of 73 mothers interviewed at two-month follow-up, 77% reported utilizing the soothing and coping techniques learned in the program. First time mothers were more likely to report the training helped them understand normal infant crying (p=0.0466), but were similar to other mothers recall and use of soothing/comforting techniques at follow-up.

Conclusions: The Period of PURPLE Crying program is useful and effective in teaching mothers about normal infant crying, the dangers of shaking an infant, and soothing/coping techniques. Our results indicate both first-time mothers and mothers with additional children benefit from the program.