Effectiveness of Educational Materials Designed to Improve Knowledge Regarding Crying and Shaken Baby Syndrome in Mothers of Hispanic Population

Abstract

Background: Caregiver frustration with inconsolable crying is a commonly cited antecedent factor of Abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve patients’ knowledge of normal crying patterns in infants and the implications of AHT among women of Hispanic population. Methods: The Period of PURPLE Crying program was piloted as part of Centering Prenatal Care at an outpatient clinic site in the Harris County Health Department system, which cares for a primarily underserved and Spanish speaking population. Educational material and direct counseling were delivered by the clinician. Demographic data was collected and a pre- and post-test survey was administrated to assess participant’s knowledge and behavior. Results: Between April 2017 and April 2018, 63 Hispanic women were included in this study. Prior to implementation of the educational tool, most of the survey questions were answered incorrectly. After the intervention, knowledge regarding normal infant crying patterns was significantly improved in all questions. However, knowledge gaps persisted especially in relation to the adequacy of parents’ ability to soothe a crying infant and normalcy of excessive crying. Conclusions: The educational curriculum was an effective tool for improving knowledge about normal infant crying patterns in Hispanic mothers.